Belong helps Spring flourish

Belong Macclesfield, the care home on Kennedy Avenue, has welcomed spring with its residents, thanks to the support of local businesses and their help with seasonal projects, set to enhance the wellbeing of the local community.

Belong were joined by Sodexo staff, based at AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield Campus  who lent their gardening, DIY and painting skills to spruce up the Upton Priory village’s grounds for Belong’s residents and visitors to enjoy.

The team weeded and planted the grounds, painted the fence, constructed houses for birds and bugs, feeders for bees and butterflies and sowed wildflowers, in a bid to encourage more wildlife.

In another project, Belong worked with its older people and those living with dementia to create special gifts for pre-school students at nearby St. Alban’s Catholic Primary School: a ‘Hello Spring’ book comprising decorated poems, along with an inspiring painting of flowers to mark the beginning of the new season. In return, the school’s own spring art book with children’s creations proved a hit as residents enjoyed reminiscing about their schooldays and sharing memories of picking bluebells.

Gina Titley, experience coordinator at Belong Macclesfield, explained the thinking behind the initiatives: “We wanted to involve the community as much as possible in our spring activity plans and give everyone something to smile about. Nature has such a positive influence on our wellbeing, as does working with others, and so we invited those around us so everyone could benefit.

“We’re ever so grateful to Sodexo for giving their time, effort and donations toward the gardening project to help make a difference on World Earth Day — they worked incredibly hard. And, our partnership with St. Alban’s school continues to prove the value of intergenerational relationships. When restrictions are lifted, we look forward to welcoming our friends and the rest of the Macclesfield community to the village for face-to-face visits with our residents again.”