A former pub manager from Newcastle-under-Lyme who swapped the bar for the reception desk of a care village is amongst those who have been recognised at the annual Belong Champion Awards, which celebrates the not-for-profit operator's teams in their everyday work supporting older people to live an active and fulfilling later life. 

Care workers from Belong's Newcastle-under-Lyme dementia care village and its corresponding home care service, Belong at Home, came together with colleagues from across the region at a dazzling ceremony hosted at Cheshire's Peckforton Castle. 

Receptionist Siobhan Coleman shared the Newcomer of the Year title for making a big impression on colleagues and residents after just nine months in her role, including developing trusting relationships with many residents, whom she supports with daily tasks, such as making appointments and shopping. 

Commenting on what set Siobhan apart from strong competition, Robert Armstrong, chair of the Belong Board and member of the judging panel who conducted a series of interviews as part of the rigorous assessment process, said: "Siobhan has a really bubbly personality and has brought many of skills developed working in the pub industry to go outside of her job description and help our customers." 

Siobhan Coleman, receptionist at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme celebrates her award win (Belong).

Meanwhile, Andrew Shield, business manager of the not-for-profit operator's home care service, Belong at Home, received the Leader of Year title for his visionary management style which resulted in the provider being ranked amongst the country's top 20 for the fifth year running by leading online reviews site Homecare.co.uk. The Newcastle-under-Lyme service was also placed in the Top 20 

Home Care Providers in the West Midlands. Andrew was promoted to his current role last year after starting his career with the service over a decade ago as a community support worker. 

Belong Non-Executive Director and Champion Awards judge, Tony Bristlin, said: "Andrew does a fantastic job leading the team; he understands the importance of the 'journey for life' and makes sure his team understands this as well." 

A year of successes also saw Belong ranked in the UK's top 20 mid-size care home groups at the Carehome.co.uk awards. 

Belong, Lower Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme (Google).

Summarising the event, Belong's chief executive, Martin Rix, added: "We've had a fantastic evening celebrating our colleagues' hard work and success. Congratulations to all of our finalists and winners!" 

The Champion Awards was made possible thanks to sponsors Search Consultancy, Collective Purchasing, Person Centred Software, GHM Care, Triangle PR, Birchall Food Service, and Howden Insurance Brokers.

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