Colleagues at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme are celebrating after picking up accolades at this year's Great West Midlands Care Awards.

Belong staff showcase impressive passion, dedication and performance in their roles, highlighting the village's award-winning standard of care.

Heritage and Experience Coordinator, Emma Palin, explained: "We had a really high number of finalists this year - 16 in total!

"Myself, Jamie and Hannah won our categories so then we go to national finals in March next year.

"This is a record-number of shortlistings for us and we're absolutely over the moon.

Belong staff showcase impressive passion, dedication and performance (Belong).

Jamie Rogers has worked as a Team Senior for around four months, working in the homely household environment, where specialist 24-hour support is provided. She describes her role as "looking after everyone and doing everything I can to help."

This dedication saw Jamie crowned winner of The Dementia Carer Award.

Hannah Barrington-Parry, who has worked as a Village Nurse Manager since April 2024, won The Social Care Nurse Award.

She said: "I manage a team of village nurses and work alongside the registered manager to ensure we achieve the best possible outcomes for our customers, and the highest standards of quality assurance to ensure compliance with CQC [The Care Quality Commission].

"The Social Care Nurse Award recognises any nursing role that sits in the community, outside of the NHS."

The national finals of the Great West Midlands Care Awards take place next year (Nub News).

Caroline Clifton, Steven Cartlich and Lisa Armstrong were also "highly commended" in their respective categories.

Belong chief operating officer, Sue Goldsmith, said: "We are thrilled to have six colleagues recognised for their work, as well as a record number of nominations for the Great West Midlands Care Awards – it is a massive achievement.  

"Many of our team began their careers with us, starting out as support workers and then through training and mentorship, have progressed in seniority. We really are empowered with the autonomy to carry out our roles by putting people first and this enables us to provide the best possible care for our customers."  

 The annual Great West Midlands Care Awards acknowledge those working in the care sector throughout the UK, with winners from November's regional finals advancing to national awards in early 2025. 

And this hasn't been the only attention received by the village. At the recent WAGS Awards - Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care - Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme General Manager Josephine Mollison and Experience Coordinator Emma Palin were both shortlisted for the Social Care Superwoman Award and Josephine was Highly Commended in the category.  

Judges said: "Josephine has exemplified resilience, dedication, and leadership in her journey from a frontline role to a leadership position at Belong. She tackles every challenge with determination, creating vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone feels valued. 

"Josephine's efforts have significantly improved the quality of life for both staff and residents, and her positive impact is reflected in team success and community happiness. As a true role model, Josephine's hard work and commitment make her deserving of a commendation."

To find out about career openings at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, visit https://www.belong.org.uk/careers.

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