The experience and heritage coordinator at Belong care village on Lower Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been recognised for her pioneering approach to supporting the wellbeing of older people. 

Emma Palin won the Innovation Award at the dementia specialist's annual Champion Awards ceremony, designed to recognise the achievements of colleagues from its villages and community care teams from across the region.  

The accolade was awarded for her creativity in organising events and activities for people living at the village, their families and the wider community, often drawing inspiration from their personal histories and cultural backgrounds, as well as local history. 

She recently led a community-based project with the King's Trust (formerly the Prince's Trust) to revamp the village's community garden, which went on to win 'Gold' in Newcastle in Bloom awards.  

Belong has hosted an awards ceremony to celebrate its inspirational care champions (Nub News).

The judges said that collaborations with local organisations not only bring new experiences to residents, such as art and music workshops promoting self-expression and creativity, enhancing their well-being, but serve to strengthen community engagement. 

Emma's work was recognised when she won the Innovation Award at the West Midlands heat of the Great British Care Awards last year, and she progressed to the national final which takes place next month. 

After receiving nominations from customers, relatives and colleagues, a panel of independent judges determined winners froma final shortlist, with the results revealed at an evening gala at The Queen at Chester Hotel. All were presented with a handmade ceramic trophy, designed by Belong Newcastle customer Alma Worthington as part of a creative competition for the occasion. 

Speaking of the event, Belong's chief executive, Martin Rix, said: "We have many talented colleagues who have chosen to dedicate their professional lives to caring for our customers, with many nominations describing them as being 'like family'. 

"As discussion around the reform of social care continues to gain traction, we are committed to shining a light on both their professionalism and hard work through these awards. We know, first-hand, that it is our ability to invest in our people that is critical to the future of the sector. Our unique 'village living' set-up creates a truly special working environment where people can thrive, and our annual Champion Awards serve to congratulate all our colleagues for their success."  

The news follows a year of accomplishments in 2024, with Belong picking up national accolades at the HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards, Laing Buission Awards, and the Great British Care Awards.Meanwhile, its community home care service, Belong at Home, was crowned in Homecare.co.uk's Top 20 Large and Mid-size Home Care Groups and is the only not-for-profit operator to have placed every year since 2018.  

The Belong Champion Awards 2024 was made possible thanks to sponsors: Arjo, Citron Hygiene, Litmus, M&D Cleaning, Search, and Triangle PR. 

More information about Belong can be found at www.belong.org.uk or by emailing [email protected]. 

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