Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme has achieved a top score for the Gold Standards Framework (GSF) assessment, earning the dementia specialist the Quality Hallmark Award for demonstrating best practice in end-of-life and palliative care.

Assessors from the national organisation responsible for training and quality standards in the sector praised the not-for-profit group's 'village living' model as conducive to high care standards and helping to promote the independence of people as much as possible.

Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme's activities provision, focus on exercise, and links to the wider community were amongst the examples of strengths highlighted, as was the Belong Heritage Gallery and amenities including bistro, pub and library.   

Roksana Drzewick, a Community Support Worker at Belong at Home, won the Newcomer of the Year award earlier this year (Belong).

The report commended 'friendly and welcoming staff' who work alongside families to prepare for the final stages of life, prioritising dignity, compassion and a person-centred approach. 

Family communication and Belong's in-house Admiral Nurse were also cited as key evidence in the appraisal which summarised carers as: 'knowledgeable and passionate about providing not only a good death for residents but really enabling them to live well.'   

Sue Goldsmith, Belong's chief operating officer, said: "Dealing with the subject of death is often still taboo, but we recognise how imperative it is that we support customers to experience a good death.

"This starts with being able to open channels of communication, both with residents and their families, to prepare well for end of life. Providing exceptional care that meets people's preferences is never more important than at this difficult time.  

"We are therefore pleased to be accredited with the GSF Quality Hallmark Award, which serves as testament to the hard work and dedication of our team who have perhaps one of the most challenging but rewarding of jobs."    

Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme demonstrated best practice in end-of-life and palliative care (Google).

The news comes as the village's home care team, Belong at Home, celebrates a win at the West Midlands Great British Care Awards, with Roksana Drzewick taking home The Care Newcomer Award, having joined earlier this year as part of the organisation's ongoing recruitment drive.  

Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme's dementia café, B's Café, also continues its monthly sessions open to local people living with dementia and their loved ones. The valuable support network offers a complimentary activity and the chance to speak with an Admiral Nurse about specialist dementia care. 

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