Two care villages have been crowned the best for their health and wellness services.

Belong Atherton and Belong Wigan, part of the Belong Care Village network, received this national recognition at the HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards.

The award celebrates the care villages' holistic approach to care, which aims to 'break the mould of the traditional care home.'

The judges praised the dementia specialists for their commitment to promoting active lifestyles and providing a range of activities that align with the interests of their residents, apartment tenants, and home care customers.

They said: "Belong's approach to wellbeing is all about activity, connection and enjoyment – it is not just an add-on, [but] feels like a natural part of life in their integrated villages."

The judges also noted that this commitment starts at the board level and moves through the entire organisation.

Belong employs an experienced  team and exercise specialist who work alongside care teams to provide a range of opportunities for residents.

These include arts, music therapy, exercise, and community engagement, all taking advantage of the facilities, such as a 'high-tech gym', an entertainment venue, a bistro, and lounges.

Belong's chief executive, Martin Rix, said: "We are thrilled to be named winner of the sector’s Best Health and Wellness award.

"Being for people, not profit, means our customers and colleagues truly are at the heart of everything we do, and we get to see the remarkable outcomes of our approach to care across all our villages, every day."

The Mealhouse Lane and Millers Lane villages each offer a range of housing, care, and support options for older people, including apartments for independent living and 24-hour residential and nursing care 'households' for up to 12 people.

The award follows Belong’s 2021 accolade for the HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Award for Best Care Provision.

Belong Atherton and Belong Wigan are part of a wider network of care villages across the North West and West Midlands.

They operate as community hubs, welcoming people to join their customers, with amenities open to the public.

For more information about Belong and its services, visit the Belong website or email enquiries@belong.org.uk.