Belong Atherton

55 Mealhouse Lane, Atherton, Manchester M46 0EU
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9.9 78 Reviews
  • Belong Atherton, Manchester
Belong Atherton is a vibrant community village on Mealhouse Lane bringing the very latest in care and facilities for older people into the heart of the town.

The village hub is open to the public and includes a popular licensed bistro, hair salon, therapy room and exercise studio.

Belong Atherton offers 26 self-contained apartments for independent living and six supported ‘households’ with modern en-suite bedrooms and open plan lounge and kitchen areas.

Belong households represent a radically different alternative to conventional care homes. They operate with a higher-than-average staffing ratio and a maximum of 12 residents per household, offering a family atmosphere where customers can build lasting relationships with staff and other residents.

To find out more, why not visit and see for yourself? Call on 01942 316556 to arrange a personal tour, or to request a brochure.

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Care Provided by Belong Atherton

  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Types Provided
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 73 Service Users
  • Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
  • Care Offered
  • Alzheimer's
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Hearing Impairment
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Visual Impairment
  • Other Care Provided
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care
  • End of Life Care
  • Own GP if required
  • Palliative Care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Sheltered Housing

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Nicola Johnstone (General Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Subject to assessment
    • Ages 65+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (73)
    • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (73)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes
    • Year Purpose Built: 2011
    • Last Refurbishment: 2011
    • Number of floors: 3

Funding & Fees Guide for Belong Atherton

  • Funding Types Accepted
  • Self funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top-Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) Funding
  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • Self-Funded Residential Care £1,605 – £1,755
    • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,605 – £1,755
    • Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,605 – £1,755
    • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,605 – £1,755
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care £1,705 – £1,855
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care £1,705 – £1,855
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care £1,705 – £1,855
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care £1,705 – £1,855

  • See key facts and pricing information on our website.
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact Belong Atherton to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Bar/Café
  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Belong Atherton is situated in the heart of the town, one mile away from Atherton railway station and on local bus routes. It is five miles from Bolton attractions including Bolton Steam Museum, the
    Octagon Theatre and Smithills Farm. Nearby parks include Blackleach Country Park in Walkden, Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan and Pennington Flash Country Park in Leigh. Belong Atherton also has close links with Salford University and the Salford Museum, which includes the recreated Lark Hill Place and has extensive reminiscence resources.


  • Parking

  • On-site parking available.


Belong Atherton Reviews (78)

Total of 78, showing 21-40
9.9

Belong Atherton has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.863) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Belong Atherton has 78 reviews.

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Review from Allison J (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first day, my mum has been very well looked after. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff and the management has been very sensitive to her needs and requirements. The big bonus for us, as a family, is the bistro where we can meet in a relaxed environment. My mother has had the privilege
of going to the gym and as a result, she has gained movement. This is down to the dedication of the personal trainer.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for your positive feedback on the support provided at Belong Atherton. We do our best to understand every customer and it is a pleasure to have your mum. We are particularly delighted that you are extremely happy with the support provided by the whole team and that you enjoy the bistro where you can meet as a family. It's also wonderful that your mother has gained movement with the help of our exercise specialist. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from Sue R (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 29 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been more than happy with the care our friend has received ever since we move him to Belong Atherton from his previous care home. Belong has certainly been a step up with his level of care. The management, receptionists and staff are all to be congratulated. His room and all the facilities on
offer are excellent. We feel that some things could still be improved but overall Belong is in my opinion a wonderful place to spend your later years.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for leaving such a kind review of Belong Atherton. We are so happy to hear that your friend is enjoying their time here, we aim to make their time with us as comfortable as possible. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from Kevin R (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 29 March 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Ever since we brought my friend to Belong Atherton we have been impressed, his room is so much better than his previous care home and all the facilities including the Bistro are superb. We have nothing but praise for the management team including reception, everyone is so helpful and we can thank them
enough. The staff are brilliant at looking after vulnerable people and are appreciated by friends and family. We find the monthly fees quite high but wouldn't want our friend to live anywhere else other than Belong. He gets the best care possible.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for your positive feedback on the support provided at Belong Atherton. We do our best to understand every customer and it is a pleasure to have your friend living with us. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from Lisa B (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 February 2023
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly staff, always going the extra mile. Supportive to family. Fantastic environment and atmosphere and always made to feel welcome.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. We aim to maintain high standards at Belong Atherton; we are so delighted to hear this has been your experience. Thank you for choosing Belong.


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Review from Jacqueline S (Sister of Resident) published on 20 December 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My sister has been in Belong since December 2019. During the pandemic, my sister was well cared for and Belong really accommodated relatives where they could with the law. My sister has never got COVID.
Tyldesley House, where my sister resides, are a caring, competent team. They treat my sister with
dignity, respect and love. They also go over and above what they need to do. Family and friends who visit are greeted in a warm and friendly way and express surprise how the staff are. Thank you so much.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. We aim to maintain high standards at Belong Atherton; we are so delighted to hear this has been your experience. Thank you for choosing Belong.


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Review from R C (Son of Resident) published on 30 June 2022
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum goes to daycare service twice a week. Staff very supportive and encouraging. All respond to her and her needs.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you so much for this lovely review! It will mean a great deal to our village and experience day teams to read your comments especially that you find our team supportive and encouraging. I will ensure your feedback is shared with everyone. Thanks again.


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Review from Stephen C (Son of Resident) published on 12 January 2022
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother transferred to Belong in October from a care home where her needs were not being met. The difference in the standard of care between Belong and the previous home is huge, with my mother requiring and now receiving the relatively intensive care her age and medical condition necessitate. I had
high hopes of Belong from personal recommendations, and those hopes have, if anything, been surpassed. The care is excellent, as is the compassion displayed by the staff at Belong.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are so touched by your kind words and that you find the compassion and care from our team to be excellent. We will aim to keep our services to such high standards. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from Elizabeth B (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 November 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother entered Belong in March 2021 following a series of falls in her own home. She lived on Ena household until her death in September. The decision of choosing a care home was difficult and made more so with the Covid restrictions, however, we need not have worried as the care my mum received
from the outset was excellent in all respects. Any care home can only be judged by the people themselves and at Belong we soon discovered a sensitive and professional management team and highly trained, compassionate carers. Belong really is a 'family', we were always made welcome whenever we visited, nothing was too much trouble, and I was supported emotionally at all stages of mum's time there. My mum was treated with the utmost kindness, dignity and respect, the level of care was above and beyond our expectations, especially at the end of her life. Thank you all so very much.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Please accept our condolences; it was a privilege to care for your mother and we are pleased to know she was happy and treated with the utmost kindness, dignity and respect during her time here. Thank you for your lovely review and we are so pleased you felt part of the 'Belong family' and made welcome whenever you visited. I will ensure your kind words are shared with the team at the village. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from Suzanne W (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

At the age of 87, my father had his first experience of respite care in order to support our 85-year-old mother, who has been his primary carer for several years. As a family, we were very hesitant, but the week proved to have an incredibly positive impact for both of our parents, and we will continue
to take advantage of the excellent service and humanity provided at Belong in Atherton. So much so, we have initiated home care via the team at Belong. We thank all of you for making an incredibly difficult decision so easy.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for such lovely feedback. We are overjoyed to hear your mum and dad are happy with us and enjoying our services. I will make sure your review is passed on to the village and Belong at Home teams. Thank you for choosing Belong.


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Review from Steve T (Husband of Resident) published on 25 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife was booked into Atherton for one week’s respite care in August 2021. It was her first time in respite since her stroke in January 2019. She was extremely apprehensive and tearful about going. We had previously visited for a coffee pre-covid to visit and were made very welcome. On the day we
met in the car park. The staff were extremely pleasant and welcoming. My wife thoroughly enjoyed all of the social activities. The family were kept informed of how she was doing. At the end of her stay, my wife wrote a personal letter of thanks to the staff. Overall it was a very pleasant experience and it is good to know that good respite care is available. Thank you.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide this feedback. It means a great deal to the team here and we are so pleased to hear you were happy with Belong Atherton.


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Review from Pauline G (Wife of Resident) published on 22 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband had 2-week of respite care. The staff was very welcome and willing to please. My husband settled well and would willingly stay again. Couldn't wish for a better care home and would definitely recommend it.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you so much for this lovely review! It was a privilege to have your husband staying with us at Belong Atherton and the teams will be thrilled with this feedback that they enjoyed their time with us so much.


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Review from Margaret R (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 June 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Belong has always been friendly, caring and respectful to both residents and staff, and I would highly recommend them.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for submitting such a kind review. We are delighted to hear your experience with Belong Atherton has been a good one. Thanks again for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from M R (Niece of Resident) published on 7 May 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care my aunty receives is second to none. She is well looked after and nothing is too much trouble for the ladies in the household so my mind is at rest as well. I'm kept informed every step of the way and if there are any issues. I am also made to feel welcome at every visit and can phone at any
time, also regular updates for the household and admin staff during Covid had made me feel completely secure in her care.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you so much for taking the time to review our service; we are so pleased that you and your aunty have had such a positive experience. I will share your comments with my team. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from Lisa B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care home has treated both my mum and family with love, care and dignity. It was a very hard decision to put our beloved Mum/Nanna into a care home and to trust staff to care for your loved one the way you do. They have been wonderful. Thank you.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are so touched by your kind words and will make sure your comments are shared with the village team.


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Review from R F (Son of Resident) published on 21 April 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent!

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for the five-star review; we will share this with the village team who will be delighted with your feedback.


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Review from Jane A (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Firstly I would like to say how welcoming, friendly and supportive the staff have been with my dad who is resident at Belong Atherton and also with myself and my sisters. We had to take the hard decision to find a care home for our dad and it was a frightening thought as you hear so many horror stories
surrounding care homes, but I can honestly say that the staff at Belong Atherton have been nothing but outstanding in their care for our dad. We have excellent communication with them and during this hard time with Covid 19, I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart for allowing us to call and talk to Dad any time we want. They don't make us feel like we are a nuisance (as we can call a lot!) but actually make us feel like we matter as much as our dad matters. Dad looks so well cared for and tells us that the staff are all "smashing" and the food is "lovely". I would highly recommend Belong Atherton to anyone. Thank you all so much.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are so touched by your kind words and will make sure your comments are shared with the village team.


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Review from Jean B (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident at Belong Atherton for nearly 3 years. Suffering from vascular dementia, as a family, we were struggling to keep Mum safe within her own home and after much heart-searching decided it was time for a new approach in managing Mum's illness.
Moving into care is a huge decision
both for the resident and their support network of family and friends - however we need never have worried.
Belong Atherton offers an inspirational new approach to the care of all its residents - it's an exceptional level of care within a person-centred environment in the highest standard of accommodation, providing superb facilities, professional and efficient management and highly trained, compassionate, genuine loving and caring staff.
Belong Atherton is part of the local community interacting with schools, churches and many other organizations providing vital social interaction for its residents. Personal freedom is respected wherever possible retaining privacy and dignity, resulting in an improved quality of life.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

It is a pleasure to look after your mum and thank you so much for your kind comments, especially at this time. We really appreciate your support. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Review from Yvonne G (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 February 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a series of bad falls and a spell in hospital and dad with dementia was no longer safe at home as a family along with the professionals involved we had to look at care homes! Belong Atherton was recommended by a friend and we must say we are extremely happy with the care dad has received and the
support and understanding we as a family have received from all staff! We were very worried due to Covid but dad looks wonderful! He had gained weight, talks very highly of the staff. We never could have envisaged him settling somewhere so well - cannot recommend Belong Atherton enough! Angels all of them!

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are so touched by your kind words and will make sure your comments are shared with the village team.


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Review from Vivien W (Wife of Resident) published on 29 January 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband has been at this care facility for the past 4 years. From the outset, my husband has always remarked that (they cannot do enough for me). This itself has always been a comfort to us as a family as they are my husband’s own words and not just what we see as a family. All the staff in all areas
are very friendly and welcoming and seem to make a point of getting to know you and who you are visiting which again is a big plus in recommending this care home. In fact, I would go as far as to say there is no comparison in my view that would offer this person-centred approach first and foremost as Belong currently does get its residents and I say this from previous experience.
The last 12 months have been unbelievably hard for the residents their families and staff alike which is why I would like to take this opportunity to thank the individual carers who have gone the extra mile as has the manager who has been as supportive as humanly possible in impossible circumstances.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

The team at Belong Atherton would like to thank you so much for taking the time to send in this review. We really appreciate your comments, especially at this difficult time and are so pleased that we were able to make a positive difference.


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Review from K D (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Belong Atherton should definitely be recommended for care home of the year. They are absolutely outstanding!
I went to see my mum for the first time in months because of lockdown and she looked so well. Everyone has put enormous effort into boosting her wellbeing and taking care of her. She looked
glowing and she was stronger than she’s been for a long time.
Throughout lockdown the carers, nurses and management have made so much effort to be understanding and compassionate towards us as relatives as well as taking excellent care of my mum.
I am extremely grateful for everything they have done for my mum. She’s looking wonderful and it’s down to their tremendous loving care and commitment to taking the very best care of their residents as if they were their very own family.
I cannot thank you enough.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for such lovely feedback. We are overjoyed to hear your mum is happy with us and enjoying our services. I will make sure your review is passed on to the village team. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.863)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.863) out of 10 for Belong Atherton is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.863 for Belong Atherton is calculated as follows: ( (238 Excellents x 5) + (29 Goods x 4) + (4 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 271 Ratings = 4.863

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Belong Atherton is based on 23 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 73 registered maximum number of service users is 14.6, which has been reached with 23 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Performance

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 24 May 2018

Overall
Outstanding

  • Caring

    Outstanding

  • Effective

    Outstanding

  • Responsive

    Outstanding

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Outstanding

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (24)

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Meet the Team (5)

Nicola

Nicola Johnston

Job Title: General Manager

Award-winning former lead nurse, and support manager, Nicola Johnstone, was promoted to the role of general manager in November 2023.


Starting her career in the care sector in 2003, working for the former CLS group as a domestic assistant, Nicola completed qualifications in health and social care to enable progression to care assistant, senior carer and care team leader roles. Following completion of her BSc in adult nursing at Salford University in 2008, she joined Belong’s newly-opened Atherton village as one of its first nurses; gaining promotion to lead nurse just a year later. In 2014 she also attained a degree in leadership and management with West Cheshire College, which led eventually to her taking on her new role as support manager.


As a leading example of frontline nurses in social care, in 2018, Nicola was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Prince Charles. She has subsequently helped to guide the Belong Atherton team to achieve platinum status in the Gold Standard Framework, to go with the village’s ‘outstanding’ rating awarded by the CQC.


She is a former ‘Nurse of the Year’ winner at the Wigan and Leigh Hospice Awards, and also a recipient of the ‘End of Life Care Award’ in the Great North West Care Awards.


Jemma

Jemma Sharratt

Job Title: Acting Support Manager

Joined: 2023

Jemma was appointed Village Nurse Manager in 2021 and heads up the village nursing team. She is an inspirational leader, who mentors and coaches through positivity, recognising others’ successes and engendering a culture of empowerment. She leads by example, advocating the best experiences for all our customers, including those living with dementia, always seeing the person, not their condition, first.


She originally came to Belong Atherton in 2004 from an NHS background, joining as a support worker. She was quickly impressed with her personal values, person-centred approach to care and her commitment to driving innovation and best practice while giving a personal touch to everyone she encounters.


Jemma completed her nurse training externally in 2019 and then returned to Belong Atherton to begin her career in social care nursing. She has a particular focus on end-of-life care and is the village ‘champion’ for leading training and networking in this area, also acting as the primary link with GPs, and Wigan and Leigh Hospice, a partnership working project helping to embed good practice.


Her ability to promote change and reflect on what has delivered the best outcomes for our customers has resulted in top credentials for Belong Atherton, including an Outstanding CQC rating and Platinum Gold Standards Framework (GSF) for end-of-life care. She is confident, professional, full of enthusiasm and demonstrates person-centred care in all her work.


Gill

Gill Kelly

Job Title: Front of House Manager

Gill has worked in the care industry for the over 23 years, starting her career with CLS Care Services, as a Domestic Assistant at Golborne House. Whilst there, Gill progressed to the role of Care Assistant, and then made the move to another CLS Home, Sherwood House, as a Care Team Leader.


Gill then supported the Management Team at Belong Macclesfield for 12 months when it opened in 2007, before moving back to Sherwood House, when her career took a change of direction and she took on the role of Administrator at Belong Wigan when the village opened. Gill enjoyed this role for two years before being promoted to the Front of House Manager role at Belong Atherton, and is now a valuable member of the village management team.


Kim

Kim Calland

Job Title: Experience Coordinator

Kim's career within the care industry began over seven years ago, initially working as a private care assistant. She joined the team at Belong Atherton in 2017, as a housekeeping assistant, and has supported all areas throughout the village including household and reception teams.


Since starting at Belong, Kim has been involved in a number of events and fundraising activities such as dressing as Mrs. Clause for the Christmas fair, walking Snowdon Mountain to raise funds for sensory equipment, and much more. This led to her progressing to the role of Experience Days Support Worker and she has since been promoted to Experience Coordinator. It is this experience, plus the relationships she has built with household residents and apartment tenants, that enables her to understand individuals' needs and understands the importance of delivering a programme of meaningful activities aimed at improving well-being throughout the village.


In her time outside of Belong, Kim is an avid member of the local community and has been involved in running a local Morris dancing troupe for over twelve years.


Lesley

Lesley Bailey

Job Title: Belong at Home Area Manager

Lesley has an extensive career history in social care which began in a residential home in Salford, and later as a care assistant for social services for 9 years, before leaving to live in Holland and later Portugal.


On returning to England in 2004, Lesley returned to social care, working at Cornwall Care as a community carer, before progressing within the company and becoming an area manager for two areas of domiciliary care in the area of St Ives and in Falmouth.


Lesley returned back to Manchester, to be nearer to her parents in 2008, and managed a small residential home for people with mental illness before joining Belong, as the Registered Manager for the Belong at Home service in Atherton, in April 2019.