Cheshire College – South & West has officially opened the Alexandra Suite, a dementia-friendly training facility at its Crewe campus, in partnership with specialist care provider Belong Villages.
Designed to mirror a real Belong household, the Alexandra Suite, named by current student Luca Baker, provides a highly realistic environment for Belong colleagues to develop practical skills, confidence, and person-centred approaches in care.
The suite includes a replica lounge, bathroom and bedroom with both a divan and profile bed, plus a manual hoist and stand aid to support people-handling training. Additional equipment allows learning around communication, sensory engagement, and a range of care scenarios.
The facility reflects the ongoing collaboration between Cheshire College and Belong, combining industry expertise with tailored training resources to raise standards across the sector.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO at Cheshire College, commented:
“By working in partnership with Belong, the Alexandra Suite provides a space where colleagues can refine their skills and students can gain hands-on experience, helping to develop a workforce that’s confident, capable, and ready for the realities of care.”
Brendan Conlon, Learning and Development Manager at Belong Villages, said:
“This facility represents much more than a training space, it’s a shared commitment to raise the standard of dementia care.”
“This collaboration strengthens the bridge between education and employment, helping to grow a workforce that is not only well-trained, but deeply connected to the values of high-quality care. As demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, partnerships like this are vital. Together, we’re investing in people, in innovation, and in a future where those living with dementia receive the exceptional support they deserve.”
The College continues to work closely with Belong, providing work experience opportunities, apprenticeships and T-Level placements for students.
Tailored learning programmes, guest speaker sessions, curriculum enrichment activities and digital projects delivered in collaboration with Belong, further enhance the student learning experience and strengthen employability.
The Alexandra Suite marks a major step in Cheshire College’s commitment to industry-led education and raising standards in dementia care training.
For more information about Health and Social Care courses at Cheshire College – South & West, visit www.ccsw.ac.uk