Dementia specialist and not-for-profit care village, Belong, has been shortlisted in four categories at the Dementia Care Awards 2025 for its work supporting older people and their families throughout the Newcastle-under-Lyme community.  

The Lower Street site is nominated for the 'Innovative Spaces Within Residential Care: Design Award', thanks to its unique status as the town's oldest building, now a landmark integrated within the care village and open to the community as the Belong Heritage Gallery.   

Care team leader, Jamie Rogers, has been nominated for the Dementia Community Care Worker Award for her outstanding contribution in supporting the village's customers so they can live as independently as possible.  

Belong Admiral Nurses, Bridget Lawler and Caroline Clifton are nominated for the Admiral Nurse Award which recognises innovation, and 'real-world difference' made by those working in the role in partnership with Dementia UK.   

The duo provides expertise on how to live well with dementia and have been nominated for the accolade owing to the success of B's Memory Cafe, a widening of their service to people living in the local area. The monthly drop-in invites guests for a coffee and a chat, often alongside an activity or entertainment, giving a welcome chance of respite to those attending. 

Finally, the organisation's dementia and care quality lead, Caroline Baker, is hoping to scoop the Dementia Trainer and Workforce Development Award for continuously driving standards and Belong's innovative approach to care.  

In the lead-up to the upcoming summer ceremony, the village has been championing Dementia Action Week as the spotlight is shone on the national campaign to promote awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.

Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme's doors continue to be open for meet and greets with management, personal tours of its state-of-the-art village, and a chance to enjoy onsite facilities including, bistro, salon, and specialist gym.  

Josephine Mollison, general manager at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: "We're really pleased to receive four Dementia Care Awards nominations. It's always encouraging to hear how our work helps so many people and to be recognised at national level is a fantastic achievement." 

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