Award-winning Crewe care village named 'Operator of the Year' by HealthInvestor
By Ryan Parker 29th Oct 2025
By Ryan Parker 29th Oct 2025
Not-for-profit care village operator, Belong, has been named Operator of the Year at 2025's HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Awards.
The award recognises Belong's innovative approach to integrated retirement living, challenging traditional models of older people's housing.
Belong's Crewe Brookhouse Drive village, as well as sister locations across the North West and West Midlands, all operate as community hubs specially designed to welcome local people to join its customers, with amenities open to the public.
Each village offers a range of housing, care and support options for older people, with apartments for independent living, as well as 24-hour residential and nursing care 'households' of up to 13 people sharing a communal living room and kitchen, achieving a homely extended-family setting.
Its independent apartment living offering enables people to move to a housing with care environment should the need for care arise, offering a 'home for life'.
The award recognises Belong's influence on the wider sector, with the organisation described as a 'trailblazer' by the Centre for Social Justice in its Lonely Nation report for its focus on creating community and social connection.
Belong has attracted significant interest from policymakers and has been invited to speak at national and international events about its pioneering intergenerational model, with extensive media coverage, including broadcasts on BBC The One Show and ITV This Morning.
Judges were full of praise for the dementia specialist, singling out its collaborative approach with residents in shaping their home, and praising its specialist in-house exercise service for 'making a real difference to residents' quality of life'.
They summarised the organisation's pioneering approach to care as 'a sustainable and resident focused model for the future'.
Belong's chief executive, Martin Rix, told Nub News: "We are delighted to be named Operator of the Year.
"The award is a testament to our dedicated teams and our unwavering commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do.
"Our unique model is changing what's possible for later life, and it's wonderful to see that recognised at a national level."
The award win follows Belong's 2024 accolade for the HealthInvestor Seniors Housing Award Best Health and Wellness Service.
READ MORE: Cricket club in Crewe gears up for 2025 bonfire and fireworks spectacular.
Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Crewe Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.
Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.
Please consider following Crewe Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.
CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
crewe vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: crewe jobs
Share:
