(Pictured: Lisa Armstrong, recruitment manager (second from left) collects her award from (L-R) Liz Jones, National Care Forum; Martin Rix, Belong Chief Executive; Rebecca Woodcock, Belong Head of Operations; Sue Goldsmith, Belong Chief Operating Officer)

Winners from the Lower Street village and its corresponding home care service, Belong at Home, collected their trophies to rousing applause from colleagues from across the region at the iconic Hallé St Peter’s venue in Manchester.

Recruitment manager, Lisa Armstrong won the Central Services Award for successfully implementing an enhanced recruitment platform.

Judges described her communication skills as ‘incredibly impressive’, whilst her work coordinating T Level students sets the sector up for future prosperity whilst giving young people the opportunity to earn hands-on experience for their social care qualification. 

Meanwhile, admiral nurse, Caroline Clifton was named Mentor of the Year for her role in developing the skills and confidence of colleagues when supporting people with dementia. She also co-leads the village’s monthly dementia cafe, B’s Cafe, a complimentary service offering non-residents and their carers guidance and advice. 

Winners were determined by a panel of independent judges who interviewed finalists chosen from nominations from customers, relatives and colleagues. All were presented with a handmade trophy, designed by Belong customer, Beryl Cadman, as part of a creative competition for the special occasion.

Entrants were supported by the village’s experience team to bring their ideas to life and thanks to the generosity of Longport-based DM Ceramics Studio, the winning entry was moulded, duplicated and fired before a dozen trophies were hand decorated by village customers. 

Summarising the event, Belong’s chief executive, Martin Rix, said: “It’s been another year of hard work and dedication from our teams and so we’re pleased to give them the recognition they deserve. To all our finalists and winners: thank you and congratulations for making Belong the best place for our customers to live and for our colleagues to work.” 

The news follows a year of successes in 2023, with Belong picking up national accolades at the Great British Care Awards, LaingBuisson Awards, and The Dementia Care Awards, amongst others. Meanwhile, its community home care service, Belong at Home, was crowned first place for Homecare.co.uk’s Top 20 Large and Mid-size Home Care Groups and is the only not-for-profit operator to have placed every year since 2018.