Christmas cheer in full swing in Chester

It comes but once a year and festivities in Chester are making for the most wonderful time as the city’s community joins dementia specialist, Belong, for seasonal celebrations.

The jewel in the Christmas cracker, locals have been welcomed to the City Road village’s annual fair to meet Santa Claus himself and find out if it’ll be the naughty or nice list, before enjoying a browse of artisan gift stalls from independent traders. Later, guests had the chance to mingle with Belong’s older residents and apartment tenants over mince pies and mulled wine served up in the onsite bistro. 

Other highlights in the yuletide experience programme for its customers include interactive music sessions, poetry classes, arts, crafts and tree ornament making, and a special edition of its upcycling workshop.  

Meanwhile, live entertainment from a local pianist has everyone getting in the spirit, and the village’s intergenerational choir, Sankofa Songsters, has had its first performance in the community. Comprising Belong Chester customers and children from The Nursery in Belong, together the singers wowed guests at the All Saints Church service.  

Charlotte Parton, Experience Coordinator at Belong Chester, said:

“Our customers have been having a joyous time getting involved in all the Christmas cheer. It’s been a real ball, so far, and we’ve much more to come! 

“We’re all about involving the community in our experiences and so we welcome everyone – pop in to say hello and ask for a copy of our What’s On guide to see what’s coming up. For now, merry Christmas, all!” 

Belong is a not-for-profit organisation, operating care villages with a range of housing and support options for older people, as well as extensive amenities in the village centre. These include bistro, hair salon, specialist gym and an entertainment venue with licensed bar. People can choose to live independently in a Belong apartment or within a supported 24-hour care environment. There are eight Belong villages predominantly across the North West of England, with another under construction in Birkdale.  

Belong specialises in supporting people with dementia and nursing care is provided across the village. Residents live in small households, with modern open plan layouts to aid independence. Beyond frontline carers, all employees are trained in dementia awareness, from housekeeping teams through to bistro assistants, and the organisation also employs specialist Admiral Nurses in conjunction with Dementia UK, who work with families and our workforce to equip people with the skills and understanding to better support people with dementia.   

For those living in the wider community, Belong operates an award-winning home care service, Belong at Home, which is ranked in the Top 5 in the country, and a bespoke day care service, known as Experience Days.

For more information, see: 

www.belong.org.uk 

Pictured - Barbara Harrison, Belong Chester resident, gets into the festive spirit.