Belong and Ready Generations to Appear on Songs of Praise

Belong and Ready Generations to Appear on Songs of Praise

On 28 June, BBC Songs of Praise will broadcast an intergenerational-themed episode featuring Belong Chester and its integrated Ready Generations nursery.

Multiple generations’ voices filled the air when BBC Songs of Praise attended Belong Chester to film the episode about faith and what people of different ages can learn from each other.

A focus of the visit was a performance by the Sankofa Songsters intergenerational choir, led by Amanda Wrigley of Live the Beat. Bringing together village residents, children from the onsite nursery, and members of the wider community, including pupils from Hoole CE Primary School, the choir features members aged from two to 102. They sang renditions of ‘Let Your Light Shine’ and ‘Hope’, written by Virginia Kettle of Stay Curious, for cameras.

The visit highlighted the unique model of the village. It was the UK’s first care village to incorporate a fully integrated research nursery, the Ready Generations Nursery in Belong, with children and residents sharing daily life to improve well-being, reduce isolation and foster lifelong learning.

Apart from the music, the film crew captured the daily rhythm of life at the village, including shared experiences, such as flower arranging, art sessions gardening and prambles – where residents and nursery teams go on walks with the children in prams. Presenter Claire McCullum chatted to residents, colleagues and children.

The episode also explored how the village supports the spiritual lives of those in its community. In line with its values, Belong promotes an environment where everyone can be comfortable in who they are, welcoming people of all faiths and none. Anyone moving into the village is given the opportunity to share their faith along with other details about themselves and their life in order for teams to better support them to continue to live how they wish.

Apartment resident Val Goodall said: “Finding this intergenerational community has been an answer to a prayer. It’s made a huge difference to be surrounded by so much love and joy.”

Caroline Ray, general manager at Belong Chester, commented: “It was a joy to welcome Songs of Praise to witness the magic that happens when different generations come together. Promoting an environment where everyone feels like they belong is central to everything we do, and part of this is supporting people to practise their faith.”

Nursery manager Ruth Sandbach added: “This is a reminder of what we do best: bringing people together, sharing joy and making sure everyone feels heard and valued.”

While regular Christian services are held for residents, the village also supports diversity through initiatives like the quarterly interfaith service, established by resident Michael Melville.

The episode will be broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 28 June at 1.15pm.

Pictured 1: Shared mealtime

Pictured 2: Val and Claire