CREWE-based care village and dementia specialist Belong has been chosen to feature in the official publication of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The company has been selected with other organisations who have made exceptional contributions to UK society and culture in the past 70 years.

Her Majesty The Queen: The Official Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album charts the monarch's 70-year reign through over 250 photographs of the Queen throughout her life.

As a chronicle of years of service, the book also profiles a select number of outstanding individuals and organisations from across the country and the Commonwealth that have had an impact on life in the UK.

Belong Chief Executive Martin Rix said: "We are honoured to have been asked to feature in the publication and to be a supporter of the official album of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

"It's a testament to the organisation's positive impact on people's lives and communities over the past decade and a half. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the finished result."

Since it launched 15 years ago, Belong has been at the forefront of driving standards of care in the UK, particularly for people living with dementia.

There are seven Belong villages across the region, each providing a range of support and living options and incorporating modern, open-plan layouts and dementia-friendly design, as well as amenities in village hubs that are open to the public.

It has also led the way in promoting equality and diversity in care settings, including pioneering LGBT events for older people.

The commemorative album will be officially launched on June 5 on The Mall in London as part of the four-day bank holiday weekend of jubilee celebrations. The book will be available to purchase online and in shops from 12 May 2022. Copies can be ordered in advance at www.stjamess.org/shop.

Meanwhile, Belong's newly-appointed intergenerational practice lead Sophie McKeon has enlisted Crewe's children and older people to bring to life a historic story.

Sophie has spearheaded 'Ribbons of Love', a project devised by national charity Ready Generations, aimed at fostering connections and learning between people of all ages.

While enduring hardship in the 18th century, thousands of mothers left their newborn infants in the care of London's Foundling Hospital, providing only a bespoke ribbon as a way of identifying their offspring upon their return when they could afford to care for them.

Today, a modern take was used to mark Global Intergenerational Week (from April 25 to May 1) with pupils of Crewe's Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School, Reach for the Stars – The Brooks Nursery and Belong's residents all exchanging decorated ribbons, pictures and messages of love.

Sophie said: "Ribbons of Love has been really well-received by our residents, who have loved getting creative, and imparting their wisdom and well-wishes to the children.

"The feedback from the participating schools has also been positive, with one teacher commenting on how much the pupils enjoyed it and it has given them ideas for future collaboration. The whole experience has been just magical."

Ann Black, 79, resident at Belong, said: "I wrote, 'Be brave and go on an adventure,' for my message to a child. It's been a lovely activity and keeping in touch with the children between our visits has been wonderful."

Belong resident Mary Britcliffe (left) with Sophie McKeon the new intergenerational practice lead.

Martin Rix, Belong chief executive, said "We're really pleased to welcome Sophie to the team for this newly created role and are hugely excited about the opportunities to drive intergenerational best practice forward.

"Belong is committed to breaking down longstanding intergenerational barriers that exist in the UK as we passionately believe that doing so can bring significant benefits, not just for older people, but for people of all ages."