Belong Atherton

55 Mealhouse Lane, Atherton, Manchester M46 0EU
Submit a Review
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.

Show Belong Atherton on the Map

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 41-60
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.

Overall Experience

  • 70
  • 7
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0

Date Published

78
1
3
23
55

Review from M B (Sister of Resident) published on 30 March 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All that I can say the staff could not do any more. All of them are so helpful and kind to me and my sister. You all should get medals. Thank you all so very much.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this lovely feedback of Belong Atherton. We aim to maintain high standards at Belong Atherton and we are so delighted to hear this has been your experience. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Jennette T (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 January 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father has always been treated with dignity and respect. He recently celebrated his birthday and the staff were amazing ensuring he felt special on his big day, decorating his room. There was a buffet evening meal for the residents and family members. They made my dad's day by presenting him with
a Birthday present from all the staff. Keep up the good work.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to post this incredibly touching feedback. It's a privilege to support your dad and it is crucial to us that we make people's time with us as special and positive as possible. It will mean a great deal to our village teams to read your comments and I will ensure that they are shared with everyone. Thanks again for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from I M (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 December 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum lived at Belong Atherton, within one of the households, for over 3 years but has recently passed away. Previously, in 2016, her drastic weight loss, anxiety and advancing dementia meant she could no longer live independently and wasn't expected to live beyond 3 months.
Because of the total
dedication and dementia care given by the team, Mum thrived and grew stronger until she was a healthy weight. She looked amazing and enjoyed her life in a caring, homely community. We, as a family, cannot praise the staff enough.
It was always a pleasure to visit Mum at Belong as a warm welcome was extended to me and other family members, any day and at any time. Mum visited the Bistro frequently with various family members and met other residents and the public who we chatted to quite often. She also enjoyed the coffee mornings in the Venue function room.
Mum had her hair done once a week at the inhouse hairdressers and she even had 1 to 1 exercise sessions in the gym for a short while. Always something to do here, with visiting entertainment and lots of activities. Mum could not have had a more dignified and caring end of life.

Reply from Rebecca Woodcock, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton and for your very kind words. It was a privilege to have your mum live here and happy to know that she was happy during her time with us and that, as a family, you felt welcome also as that is very important to everyone here. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Belong Atherton and send you our very best wishes.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Barbara C (Wife of Resident) published on 31 July 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My husband was a resident from October 2018 to June 2019. His care and eventually his nursing care and then palliative care was second to none. He was treated with the utmost kindness, sensitivity and dignity throughout his time in 'Belong'. The consideration from the staff was excellent towards me
and my family throughout my husband's residency, until his passing.

Reply from Jo Ball, Acting General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. Please accept our condolences; it was a privilege to care for your husband and we are pleased to know he was happy here and that the team were able to offer some support to you and your family also. I will ensure your kind words are shared with the team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from David W (Husband of Resident) published on 4 April 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From day one the care for my wife has been exceptional, this also applies to the love and kindness shown to me on "down" days. The staff are only too willing to help whatever is needed. The rooms are kept clean, tidy and warm.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for submitting your review of Belong Atherton. The team work hard to ensure we provide a warm, friendly and welcoming environment and so we are delighted to hear that this has been your experience. I will ensure your kind words are shared with the team. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Wendy D (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Belong were very helpful in getting my mother into respite care in an emergency. Her treatment was really very good and I have no complaints. The staff were all excellent.
The main reason for leaving was because unexpectedly she received the offer of a place nearer to me.
In fact, she had decided
to become a permanent resident until this arose.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton, which is valued by all of the staff teams. We are delighted to know that your experience of Belong Atherton was so positive; it was a pleasure to have your mother stay with us. We do hope she will continue to be happy in her new home and would like to thank you again for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Beth J (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is treated with dignity and respect and her every need is cared for. She is cared for with compassion and humour which is difficult for staff as she is unable to communicate or realise what is happening to her.
She recently celebrated her 100th birthday and the staff organised a birthday
tea which was enjoyed by her friends and relatives.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We do our best to understand every customer and it is a pleasure to have your mother with us. The team will be delighted to know that everyone enjoyed the birthday party; I will ensure your comments are shared with them. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Elaine F (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It has been 7 months now since Mum joined the Caleb Wright Wing in Belong. I cannot express how wonderful all the staff are in Caleb Wright. That dreaded day back in March I had to leave Mum in Caleb was eased by 2 very special carers. They said to me 'she will be fine I promise you!' And you know what,
they were right!! Mum looks 'better' than she has for a long time. She is dressed properly, clean, stimulated, but most of all she is treated with dignity and is safe.
Thank you.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are delighted to know that your mum is happy here and that the dedication of the village teams is making a difference. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Vivien P (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 November 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been in Belong for approximately 6 months. During that time her care has been excellent, not only with mum but with family. The staff always update us with any information. There is always a nurse on hand when needed. Mum is very well looked after, clean and personal centred care comes first.
We are all like family with staff. Can have a drink whenever and plans and information is always available.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. The staff teams work hard to ensure a friendly, homely and welcoming environment and so it will mean a great deal to them to know that this has been your experience. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Carol P (Daughter of Resident) published on 26 October 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the first day, my mum arrived at Belong Atherton on Calebwright House until the last day of her life my Mum was treated with the utmost respect. Treated with dignity and supported by all staff members. My mum could not have been treated any better than the care provided. To have the staff on Calebwright
and Belong is a credit to this care home. I can't praise them all enough. If all care homes were like Belong then a lot of families would have peace of mind knowing they are in good hands. Thank you once again.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review on the support provided at Belong Atherton. We do our best to understand every customer and it was a privilege to care for your mum. It will mean a great deal to the Calebwright team to read your comments and I will ensure they are shared with everyone. Thank you for choosing Belong Atherton.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Roy K (Brother of Resident) published on 2 July 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending the very high level of care and compassion my sister has received during her eleven-month stay in Belong Atherton.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are touched by your kind words and will aim to keep our services to such high standards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Natalie H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 25 June 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Belong Atherton provides fantastic facilities. The staff are extremely professional and treat residents with respect giving them a good quality of life whilst in the home. Highly recommend Belong Atherton and can't thank their staff enough.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are touched by your kind words and will aim to keep our services to such high standards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Louise T (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 May 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5

My mum arrived at Belong on Friday 27th April 2018 after being discharged from Preston hospital. Mum suffered from dementia and sadly passed away suddenly on Monday 30th April.


I find it disappointing that no one from Belong sent a message of condolence after my mum's sudden passing. It was a difficult

decision to decide for mum to go to Belong and although she seemed reasonably settled during her short stay there were a couple of issues, one being feeding. We took her lunch and fed her because the staff had tried to feed her but she had refused the food so if we hadn’t gone she wouldn’t have eaten. There was also a mix up with the medication she was meant to be taking, luckily a member of staff picked up on this checked it out and the tablets were withdrawn.


I just think a note to either my dad or myself after my mum's passing or even a quick call would have been nice as her sudden death was unexpected and a massive shock which we are still coming to terms with.


Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

We very much regret that your experience in Belong has fallen short of our expected standards and what we believe to be the norm in Belong. We apologise for any delay in sending our condolences and we are investigating the issues you raise as a priority.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Edward B (Son of Resident) published on 21 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The home is very welcoming and all staff are extremely professional and helpful at all times.
The best feature is that both staff and residents have a smile on their face, making the home a happy place to be.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. Our staff work really hard to ensure a friendly, homely and welcoming environment. It means a great deal to our staff team to know that this is appreciated.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Susan M (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum was looked after in the Caleb Wright Household at Atherton for the last four years.
Words cannot describe how pleased our family have been with the amazing level of support, care and compassion that she always received.
Mum was very happy and relaxed with her family and friends also feeling
very welcomed into being part of her life in a new home and village environment. Many thanks to everyone.

Reply from Julie Washington, 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 aim to keep our services to such high standards.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from June L (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 May 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The concept of Belong Atherton is very good.
The care for my mother was excellent and beyond belief.
My only low observation was the lack of organisation with regard to personal clothing.
Most of the clothes I took for my mother were difficult to locate and when I did the condition wasn't very good.
This would be the main area where the manager needs to be more involved.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. We are happy that your mother's experience of her care at Belong Atherton has been so positive, but of course we are concerned about the issue raised. We are investigating this as a priority to put improvements in place.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from S A (Wife of Resident) published on 12 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care provided at all times. The staff are extremely knowledgeable but most of all they do really care.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to provide such lovely feedback. We are delighted to hear that you are happy with the care and support provided at Belong Atherton and I will ensure your kind words are shared with the staff team.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Kathleen O (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mum has recently passed away on Chanters Household at Belong Village Atherton. The level of care she received in the two years she was a resident on Chanters went above and beyond our expectations. The team looking after her were superb in every way and gave us as a family peace of mind while we
went about our daily lives. Mum received palliative care on the household and was treated with love and dignity and we were allowed the privacy to be with her at her passing. I cannot praise Chanters staff highly enough. They became mum's family and our friends.
Thanks to everyone concerned.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Please accept our condolences; it was a privilege to care for your mum and we are pleased to know she was happy during her time here. Thank you for taking the time to submit your review, we will ensure your kind words are shared with the staff team at the village.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Alan B (Son of Resident) published on 20 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

I am really happy with the care and attention that the home provides for my mum.
her physical state has improved and she has had a healthy weight gain.
The set out of the main room with the food preparation area within and all the bedrooms off it encourage an inclusive atmosphere for all but with
privacy, if required in the spacious bedrooms provided.
All in all a great home environment with a good atmosphere.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for your positive feedback on the support provided at Belong Atherton. We are delighted to hear that your mum is settled and happy and trust that your experience will continue to be so positive.


Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

Review from Patricia H (Respite Resident) published on 8 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I came into Belong for respite care after breaking my ankle, having an operation and being fitted with a cast. I live on my own and knew wouldn't feel safe during the night when getting up to use the toilet.


I Have had wonderful care, I press my buzzer when needing help and the response is immediate.

Nothing is too much trouble. Always greeted with a smile! The food is good and I enjoy going into the bistro when friends visit. A plus is a hairdresser on site.

Facilities

Care / Support

Cleanliness

Treated with Dignity

Food & Drink

Staff

Activities

Management

Safety / Security

Rooms

Value for Money

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)

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading

Loading events

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.