Cheshire College – South & West is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Belong, a pioneering not-for-profit organisation redefining dementia care. The collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing education and career opportunities in the health and social care sector.
Belong has been at the forefront of innovative dementia care, integrating services, housing, and community within their award-winning Belong villages.
The partnership journey began in 2024, with an initial visit to Belong Chester Village, where discussions focused on exploring collaboration opportunities. This was followed by a site visit to the College’s Crewe campus in July to further shape the partnership and identify areas for mutual development.
In August, the two organisations began refining tailored learning programmes, setting the stage for the integration of specialised training solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of the health and social care sector.
January 2025 marked a key milestone: the development of a new training space at the Crewe campus, designed to replicate Belong’s household care settings. The space will provide students with hands-on training in a realistic care setting, allowing them to experience firsthand the high standards of care that Belong is known for.
By mirroring the layout and functionality of a real Belong household, students will develop practical skills and a deep understanding of best practices in person-centred care before entering the workforce.
This collaboration will provide students with invaluable hands-on experience in dementia care, bridging the gap between education and employment.
Through work experience at Belong villages, apprenticeships, and T-Level placements, students will gain practical insight into industry best practices while developing essential skills.
Tailored learning courses will be designed to align with sector demands, improving employability, while additional initiatives such as guest speaker sessions, curriculum enrichment, and digital projects will further enhance the student learning experience.
Helen Nellist Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO of Cheshire College, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating:
“This represents a remarkable opportunity for students to engage with industry-leading dementia care models, develop essential skills, and contribute meaningfully to the care sector.”
“By working with Belong, we are shaping the future of healthcare education and ensuring our students are workforce ready.”
Brendan Conlon, Learning and Development Manager at Belong Villages, echoed this enthusiasm:
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between education and industry. By working closely with Cheshire College, we can create a pipeline of skilled professionals who are equipped to provide the highest standard of care.”
As the partnership progresses, both organisations remain committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring students receive the best possible education while making a real difference in the lives of those living with dementia.
