Belong Hails Inspirational Care Champions
Social care’s top talent has been celebrated as dementia specialist Belong rolled out the red carpet for colleagues at its annual Champion Awards, recognising the best of the best amongst its villages and community care teams from across the region.
Twelve accolades were handed out at the dazzling ceremony to its teams and volunteers from across the North West and West Midlands for exceptional performances supporting older people to live active and fulfilling lives.
The Belong Champion Awards 2024 winners are:
• Newcomer Award: Jessica Murphy, care assistant, Belong Crewe
• Mentor of the Year: Jessica Ainsworth, care team leader, Belong Macclesfield
• Leader Award: Jemma Sharratt, support manager, Belong Atherton
• Team of the Year: Cedar House team, Belong Wigan
• Belinda Jones Dementia Champion of the Year: Nicola Hart, community support worker, Belong at Home Macclesfield
• End-of-Life Care Award: Coronation House team, Belong Crewe
• Compassion Award: Laura Cooper, community support worker, Belong at Home Warrington
• Volunteer Award: Matthew Boardman, volunteer, Belong Wigan
• Made-My-Day Award: David Bithell, caretaker, Belong Crewe
• Community Engagement Award: Experience Day team, Belong Wigan
• Innovation Award: Emma Palin, experience & heritage coordinator, Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme
• Central Services Contribution Award: IT team
After receiving nominations from the organisation’s customers, relatives and colleagues, a panel of independent judges determined winners from a final shortlist, with the results revealed at an evening gala at The Queen at Chester Hotel. All were presented with a handmade ceramic trophy, designed by Belong customer, Alma Worthington, as part of a creative competition for the occasion.
Speaking of the event, Belong’s chief executive, Martin Rix, said: “We have many talented colleagues who have chosen to dedicate their professional lives to caring for our customers, with many nominations describing them as being ‘like family’.
“As discussion around the reform of social care continues to gain traction, we are committed to shining a light on both their professionalism and hard work for through these awards. We know, first-hand, that it is our ability to attract an invest in our people that is critical to the future of the sector. Our unique ‘village living’ set-up creates a truly special working environment where people can thrive, and our annual Champion Awards serve to congratulate all our colleagues for their success.”
