Feathered Friends Make for New Companions at Belong Macclesfield

Feathered Friends Make for New Companions at Belong Macclesfield

Four young feathered friends have made themselves comfortable amongst Macclesfield’s older community as a brood of ducklings is calling Belong Macclesfield their new home.

After much anticipation, James Pond, Dick Van Duck, Pancake, and Theo, hatched as part of a project organised by the village’s experience team to create opportunities for residents to get involved, provide care, and give love to their little companions.

The fluffy additions have quickly forged close relationships with customers, including those living with dementia, as Alexis Marsden, experience coordinator at Belong Macclesfield, explains: “Our customers have adored having the ducks around – it's created a positive energy around our village. They especially enjoy feeding them, helping clean their home, and having lots of cuddles.”

The pet therapy is possible thanks to Incredible Eggs, an ethical provider of hatching kits, with Belong Macclesfield's customers and colleagues providing around-the-clock care, before they move on to their forever homes.

Other animal-themed activities in the village’s vibrant experiences programme include visits to Holmes Chapel Zoo, feeding ducks at Redesmere Lake, and looking for wildlife as part of its walking club.

Alexis continues: “Our customers love animals and whilst we put on a number of excursions, it’s also important that everyone gets to enjoy the benefits of furry friends, so we also look for ways to bring them into the village, too. It is wonderful how much of an impact our new friends have on everyone!”

The news follows the annual, national Care Home Open Week campaign, encouraging people to find out more about their local care village. The week has been extended as guests continue to be invited to visit Belong Macclesfield, meet the team, and tour its on-site bistro, salon, specialist gym, entertainment venue, and gardens.