A care setting that offers so much more

With bistro, heritage gallery, tea rooms, creative studio, a pub and hair salon on site, Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme is a care provider that is all about enabling people to live life to the full. At the heart of its philosophy is a commitment to opening its doors to people of all ages and to creating vibrant communities with plenty to offer residents and non-residents alike.   To this end, the Lower Street care village publishes a bi-monthly programme of events and activities open to all, and this autumn, there are wide-ranging opportunities on offer, including film screenings, social clubs, and Halloween and Bonfire Night festivities.   Heritage film screenings The packed schedule includes films providing a fascinating insight into the work and play in Stoke-on-Trent in the 1930s, whilst another looks at local life during wartime. We’ll also be enjoying the delights of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for the Bank of Scotland Fireworks Concert screening to mark Bonfire Night.   Halloween events October will see us venture on an excursion to the enchanting Ford Green Hall, the historic house museum and gardens dating back to the 17^th century. And the jewel in the programme’s crown, Halloween will be marked with a week of ghoulish games, tricks and treats for all – if you dare!   Experience coordinator, Emma Palin, shares more: “The village and the gallery is very much at the heart of the community and that’s why we invite everyone to join us for our upcoming events. We also have a bistro, hair salon and specialist gym open to the public and we can arrange tours for those who want to find out more.”   Get involved Amongst regular village activities also open to the community includes the popular group chair-based exercise sessions for all abilities with in-house qualified exercise specialists, Jane and Amy. Start the week off with free activities at Brainteasers puzzle club and Music Mondays sessions. Make new friends at the book club, pub games afternoon or knit and natter group.   Much of the entertainment takes place in the Belong Heritage Gallery, the landmark 17^th century building integrated within the main care village, housing exhibitions documenting Newcastle’s past, arts, and culture, as well as Samuel Bell’s Tea Room and the Old Pomona Inn.   A highlight includes the circus exhibition, paying homage to Philip Astley, the father of modern circus, with the gallery’s reminiscence lounge transformed into a big top, with memorabilia from bygone eras of circus entertainment, both in the UK and from across the globe. Historical artefacts on show include Harry Houdini’s original handcuffs, early twentieth century juggling balls and adverts promoting tours in Newcastle, Stoke-on-Trent and further afield, in Japan, Russia and the USA. A dressing-up area, complete with humorous costumes and funhouse mirrors, offers a playful experience for guests.   Dementia drop-in For those in need of some extra support but not sure where to start, the monthly B’s Memory Café is a free session, run by a Belong Admiral Nurse, a mental health nurse specialising in dementia, who is able to provide advice and signpost additional resources. B’s Café is open to non-residents and their loved ones, and also provides the chance for older people to join in a dementia-friendly activity run by the village Experience team, who also provide the village’s bespoke day care service for older people, known as ‘Experience Days’.   For more information about Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme and a copy of the What’s On programme, email enquiries@belong.org.uk or visit www.belong.org.uk     Special events this autumn Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Belong Heritage Gallery

• Stoke on Film – 11 Oct, 2pm
• Ford Green Hall visit – 14 Oct
• Spooky Prize Bingo – 28 Oct, 2pm
• Halloween Quiz – 29 Oct, 2pm
• Halloween Party – 30 Oct, 2pm
• Trick or Treat Trail – 31 Oct, 4pm (free entry!)
• Fireworks Concert screening – 4 Nov, 2pm
• Potteries at War film screening – 10 Nov, 2pm

    Weekly activities also open to the whole community

• Brainteasers – Mondays, 11am (free entry!)
• Music Mondays – Mondays, 2pm (free entry!)
• Arts & Crafts – Tuesdays, 11am
• Pub Games – Tuesdays, 2pm
• Church Service – First Tuesday of month, 6pm
• Group Chair-based Exercise – Wednesdays, 11am
• Cooking Through Time – Wednesdays, 2pm
• Book Club – Thursdays, 11am
• Knit & Natter – Thursdays, 2pm
• Art Class – Second & third Thursdays of month, 6pm
• Group Chair-based Exercise – Fridays, 11am
• Film Club – Fridays, 2pm
• Prize Bingo – Third Saturday of month, 6pm

Entry fee and booking applicable to some events. Full details available in the What’s On programme or contact the village on 01782 530581 for more details.