CARE village workers are celebrating after receiving diplomas and other qualifications.

Belong Atherton has 29 members of staff who received medals or certificates in a special ceremony along with 24 from Belong Wigan. 

Workers at the group’s home care service Belong at Home were also honoured.

Achievements ranged from leadership qualifications to diplomas in health and social care, catering, hospitality, customer service, business and administration and facilities services.

Belong Atherton general manager Julie Washington said: “I am delighted to see so many members of staff be recognised for their commitment in delivering high quality of care.

"It is thanks to each individual in our team that we are able to do what we do in our Atherton village.”

The staff employees' efforts were recognised at a special ceremony at Vale Royal Abbey

Belong deputy chief executive Tracy Paine said: “Our awards ceremony is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate everyone within Belong who has put in the effort to enhance their knowledge base.

"We know that it is our people that make the difference in supporting Belong customers to enjoy positive outcomes and quality of life with us, and we are committed to investing in our teams to continue developing their skills.”

Belong holds the Gold Investors in People accreditation and provides extensive career development opportunities to its teams.

More than 120 people who attained qualifications across the organisation’s seven care villages were celebrated at the ceremony.

It is a values-based organisation, recruiting people who share its commitment to creating vibrant community villages with customers at the heart of its operation, and then providing training opportunities to develop their skills.