New Birkdale care village prepares to open under Southport leader

Not-for-profit dementia specialist, Belong, has appointed Kathryn Dee as general manager of its multi-million-pound new Birkdale care village, ahead of its opening later this year.    

The highly experienced care leader and nurse joins the growing organisation as it prepares for the launch of its ninth village, its first in Merseyside, set to revolutionise care for older Sandgrounders, with its award-winning ‘village living’ approach promoting independence and an active later life.  

Hailing from Southport, Kathryn brings more than two decades of experience to the position, with previous stints in care sector roles, including senior leadership, clinical quality assurance, and innovation, as well as the management of nursing and residential facilities for older people.  

Speaking of her appointment, Kathryn Dee, general manager at Belong Birkdale, said: “I am delighted to be joining Belong as we prepare to open our Birkdale village. The organisation has an oustanding reputation for innovation and person-centred care that enables older people to live active and fulfilling lives.  

“I’m looking forward to building a dedicated team and a welcoming community where our customers can thrive, maintain their independence and feel truly at home.”  
 

Located on Oxford Road, close to Victoria Park and famous flower-filled Rotten Row, Belong Birkdale’s customers will have the choice of living in one of its 24-hour residential care ‘households’ – small, homely settings for up to a dozen residents sharing communal living, kitchen-dining and outdoor spaces, with private ensuite bedrooms – or one of 30 independent living apartments, now released to reserve for rent or purchase.  

Open to the public, the site’s bistro, salon, specialist gym, gardens, and entertainment venue with licensed bar, will bring much welcome amenities to the neighbourhood, whilst a vibrant experiences and activities programme is set to help build a strong community in the area.          

Belong’s home care service, Belong at Home Southport, has been operating in the town since late 2025, with its community care team supporting older people to live in their own homes in the area. Its availability will widen to include village apartment tenants upon its opening.  

Belong chief operating officer, Rebecca Woodcock, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn to the Belong family. Her professional experience and credentials, coupled with enthusiasm and passion for our innovative approach to care, will make for a fantastic leader of our new Birkdale village and a pillar of the community.” 

More information about Belong Birkdale, including reservations for its independent living apartments, can be found at www.belong.org.uk or by emailing enquiries@belong.org.uk