Cheers to 15 Years: Belong Atherton Celebrates Milestone Birthday

Decked in black and gold balloons, bunting, and banners, Atherton’s leading care village, Belong, has commemorated 15 years supporting the community with a birthday bonanza destined to be the focus of conversation for years to come.

The Mealhouse Lane village kicked off its all-day party toasting bubbles over breakfast which saw residents, tenants, and Belong colleagues glammed up for the special occasion, with community care customers from Belong at Home also joining the fun.

Later came the centrepiece celebratory meal featuring music, dancing, and companionship, with live entertainment from local singer, Joe Parker, taking song requests before leading guests in a group rendition of classic ‘Happy Birthday to You’.

Nicola Johnstone, general manager at Belong Atherton, said: “We’ve raised our glasses to an incredible milestone, 15 years making a real difference in people’s lives. There have been so many wonderful memories created over the years, and it goes to show there is everything to look forward to and embrace in older life when you’re part of a caring community like ours.”

Belong Atherton’s opening in 2011 marked the arrival of the not-for-profit operator’s trailblazing approach to the care of older people, with its ‘village living’ model since enabling hundreds of customers to enjoy an active later life whilst being supported in their independency. In tandem, local people have benefitted from its open-door policy inviting them to join events and make use of onsite facilities, including its popular bistro, gym, salon, and entertainment venue.

Building on its distinction as one of the 2% of adult social care services to hold an ‘Outstanding’ Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating, Belong Atherton landed a spot in the UK’s top 100 care homes at the inaugural Lottie Awards 2025. More recently, the Belong group was named in the country’s Top 20 Mid-size Care Home Groups 2026, as judged by independent customer reviews on leading website, Carehome.co.uk.

Nicola added: “We are really proud to be part of this community and a special shout out goes to our colleagues, many of whom have been with us since we opened. Our village is the result of what they’ve made it, and it really is testament to their hard work and passion for what they do.”

The news comes after 15th birthdays for Belong villages in Wigan, Crewe, and Macclesfield, with its other locations set to follow in the coming years. Its ninth site is set to open in Birkdale, Southport later in 2026.

More information about Belong Atherton can be found at www.belong.org.uk or by emailing enquiries@belong.org.uk

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