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 61-78
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

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Review from Laura C (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My father was admitted to Belong Atherton (I had researched and viewed many care homes but only felt comfortable here). He had been suffering from dementia for some time and had become unable to care for himself and was not an easy resident presenting a number of challenges.


All the staff have dealt

with my father with dignity, compassion and a great sense of fun. I have only ever felt complete relief that his care is faultless and my dad is now happy relaxed and safe. A huge thank you to you all. (I don't tick excellent often).

Reply from Julie Washington, 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 father living with us. It will mean a great deal to the team to know that your father feels happy and safe; I will ensure your comments are passed on to them.


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Review from Carole H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 December 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Belong Atherton has provided care for my mother above and beyond their duties. They have also been a help to me when I needed advice about my mother.

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to provide this lovely feedback. We are delighted to hear that the dedication of our village staff team is making a difference and that we have been able to provide support to both you and your mother.


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Review from Joyce H (Cousin of Resident) published on 23 October 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My relative has stayed in Belong, Atherton for six weeks respite care. She has been so happy with the treatment she has received, the care, food etc. that she has asked to stay in for the rest of her life.
As a visitor, I have experienced very helpful staff, always ready to answer any questions.

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 that your relative has enjoyed her time at the village so much so that she wishes to stay. Our staff teams work hard to ensure a friendly, homely and welcoming environment. It will mean a great deal to them to know that this is appreciated.


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Review from Kerry H (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Me and my sisters would like to nominate belong Atherton for the excellent service of care to my mother and to ourselves during our mothers stay.
Staff have been absolutely brilliant, funny and most of all caring. The level of service provided is awesome.
The staff treat all service users with the
same amount of equality, inclusion and go to great lengths with their duty of care and safety for all residents.
Keep up the hard, brilliant teamwork!

Reply from Julie Washington, General Manager at Belong Atherton

We were immensely moved to read your touching review. We're so proud of our staff team and their dedication and they will be really delighted to read this. Thanks so much for taking the time to post.


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Review from M K (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 22 September 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Belong Village at Atherton is a modern care home with light, airy single bedrooms with en-suite facilities. My sister-in-law has settled into the home straight away, where she was treated with care and dignity by all the staff.


I would not hesitate to recommend this home to anyone looking for care

for a friend or family member.

Reply from Tracy Brookes, Marketing Supervisor at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are pleased to hear that your sister-in-law is settle and happy here and we will aim to maintain the high standards to ensure her stay continues to be enjoyable. Thank you again for your feedback which we will ensure is shared with members of the staff teams.


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Review from Valerie D (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad stayed at Belong for a week whilst my mum came to stay with me for some respite. From the first contact until the last day, I found the staff to be very caring. My dad struggles to communicate having had a stroke 13 years ago. Although I did not visit him, I contacted the home twice and was happy
with the information given. When we went to collect him to take him home, he looked very well. Both my mum and myself would be happy for him to stay again. His case was packed and ready for us. My dad seemed to be very happy which is very reassuring for us. Cannot fault the staff. We have arranged another date for him in 2017.

Reply from Tracy Brookes, Marketing Supervisor at Belong Atherton

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


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Review from Paul B (Son of Resident) published on 4 January 2017
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We first came to Belong Atherton when my mum had to move from a residential home to a care home. We originally had mum at the other care home but were not happy with mums treatment. After looking at several care homes we came to view Belong Atherton and were impressed straight away. The care and help
my mum and my family have received from all the staff has been second to none, kind, friendly, caring staff of all ages. I would have no hesitation in recommending Belong Atherton to anyone. We have no hesitation in recommending Belong Atherton to anyone. We are thinking of getting our names down now :) Thanks for all your help and support.

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Review from Julie D (Niece of Resident) published on 28 October 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Since my Aunt moved into Pretoria she has received first class care. All staff have shown her care and respect and have gone out of their way to meet her individual needs. All staff have been approachable and have kept me up to date with her care. I placed my Aunt here as my mother has been a resident
on the Astley wing for over 5 years and I have been happy with her care. All visitors my family have received have given me positive comments about the home.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

Thank you so much for this lovely review! We are overjoyed to hear your Aunt is happy with us and enjoying our services. I will make sure your kind words are passed to the village team.


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Review from Jayne S (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Clear and accurate communication of services and costs. Compassionate care and understanding of feelings of mum and relatives. Friendly, welcoming atmosphere. A culture of approachability and genuine kindness. I observed acts of kindness not relating to mum. A delicate and sympathetic approach and space
when needed.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

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


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Review from L D (Niece of Resident) published on 12 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 92-year-old aunt became a resident in Belong three weeks ago after nine weeks in the hospital. Being very frail she was unable to go back home to live alone. Classed as being residential/nursing she reluctantly became a resident in the Pretoria Household there. Initially, she found it difficult to
settle however with the care of the staff she soon settled in. The kindness, patience and understanding of the staff on Pretoria has been unbelievable. The standard of care and cleanliness is top class. Everything possible is done to try and make the resident feel this is their home. We have watched her settle and become happier here. The best of the best.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

Thank you so much for this lovely review! It is a privilege to have your Aunt staying with us at Belong Atherton and the staff teams will be thrilled with this feedback that she is enjoying her time with us so much. We aim to maintain high standards at Belong Atherton; we are so delighted to hear this has been your experience.


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Review from A J H (Husband of Resident) published on 12 September 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My wife needed end of life nursing care. Belong Atherton stood out from the other homes I visited. My reception was friendly and informative and I was able to view a room and see the household atmosphere. Once the place was offered I soon saw how friendly the staff were. It's fair to say that not only
was my wife looked after but I felt supported too. I'd be happy to advise any friend how good they are.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide us with this feedback. We are delighted that you found our care service a valuable way of helping to support your wife as well as yourself. Thanks again for choosing Belong Atherton; it was a pleasure to have your wife with us.


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Review from Philip C (Son of Resident) published on 17 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The staff at Belong, both carers and staff are extremely helpful and caring given the diverse residents. Food is excellent.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator 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.


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Review from Mary J (Resident) published on 4 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very friendly atmosphere. Airy and well furnished. Staff are welcoming and show interest in every individual. Their care giving is very good.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

Thank you for your positive feedback on the care and environment provided at Belong Atherton. We do our best to understand every customer and improve their well being.


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Review from Margaret S (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 August 2016
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad is in Astley Household. The staff are very caring and treat each patient as an individual. They act immediately on any issues and phone me if there are any problems. Health issues are taken seriously and acted upon when necessary. Very pleased with the household.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are pleased to hear that you are happy with the service provided.


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Review from John T (Resident) published on 1 August 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I visit Belong everyday and the staff are really friendly and always provide me with help when I need it, which is great because I am not part of their establishment.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are pleased to hear that you are happy with the service provided.


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Review from David G (Son of Resident) published on 20 July 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Belong Village (Atherton) since January of this year after she was discharged from hospital following a series of falls. We had looked at perhaps a dozen nursing homes prior to this, with Belong being the first and by far the very best. All others were judged on their
standards and fell short. The open plan lounge and kitchen gives an open, warm and friendly feel which bustles with activities, much like a persons home. The bedrooms are a good size, each with their own en suite bathroom. The sunlight streams through the window. The standard of care and attention is excellent. The carers and nurses go above and beyond to provide loving care, which is second only to that of the family - even better in many cases.

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Review from Claire J (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 May 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My 92 year old mum has Alzheimer's. Six months ago we moved her from a care home where she had been for eighteen months. It was a big step to take but the decision to do so was easy as we had been very unhappy with mum's care. Now when any of us visit mum our stomachs no longer churn as we approach
the home. We no longer dread what we will find or waste precious time sorting out problems to do with mum's care. She will never be happy due to the nature of her illness but we know that she is safe and well cared for and that makes all the difference. We are welcomed and put at ease. Mum has a lovely room where we can now enjoy spending time with her. The home is run efficiently and professionally and with understanding and compassion. We highly recommend Belong as a provider of care.

Reply from Becki Prince, Customer Support and Marketing Administrator at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are pleased to hear that you are happy with the service you received.


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Review from Cheryl P (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 April 2016
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mum has been a resident of Belong for three and a half years, and nature of her condition has deteriorated during her stay. The home and the staff have been extremely proactive in adapting to her changing needs. I live over 100 miles away from Atherton, and visit my mum weekly, but the peace of mind
that I have in knowing I can speak to someone 24 hours a day is also very reassuring. Even though my mum is no longer mobile she still partakes in lots of activities both on site and off, with a recent theatre trip to Manchester and another one planned are real highlights and provide a genuine boost.

Reply from Tracy Brookes, Marketing Supervisor at Belong Atherton

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review of Belong Atherton. We are pleased to hear that you are happy with the support you/your relative receives. Kind regards.


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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.