Month: July 2025

One year ago, if you’d told me where Moonrise would be today, I probably would’ve smiled politely, nodded, and thought, “Sure, sounds nice.” But wow  what a ride it’s been. Like any big adventure, there were bumps, wrong turns, and the occasional “What are we even doing?” moments. But more than anything, this year has been about growing, gritting our teeth, and feeling incredibly grateful.

This blog post isn’t just a look back  it’s a little victory dance (just imagine me doing a slightly awkward one in the kitchen).

To our amazing team: you are the heart and soul of Moonrise and we are one family. Whether you are out in the field, keeping things running behind the scenes, or helping steer the ship  thank you for showing up, even on the tough days (especially on the tough days).

To our extended crew  supporters, partners, late-night idea-bouncers, and everyone who’s cheered us on: you’ve helped turn a big dream into something real. Your belief in what we’re doing means more than you know.

I want to be honest: it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were times it felt more like trying to row a boat with a spoon. But every challenge taught us something. Every setback helped us sharpen our vision and reminded us why we started in the first place.

What I have learned? Resilience isn’t about being tough all the time. It’s about stumbling, muttering “well, that sucked,” and still getting up the next day to try again.

For years, we dreamed of opening children’s residential homes  safe, warm spaces where young people could really feel at home. It always felt like a huge mountain to climb (in the rain, with slippery shoes).

Then, in late 2024, I met some truly incredible individuals with  full of energy, experience, and the same stubborn hope we had. Together, we got to work. And now?

We’ve officially been granted planning permission to open our own children’s homes.

It’s happening. The dream has legs. (And soon, actual walls and roofs.)

With big dreams come growing teams. We’re welcoming new faces  people with fresh ideas, kind hearts, and a shared passion for what we’re building. Watching Moonrise go from a tiny group of dreamers to a full-blown organization has been wild… in the best way.

We’re building something bigger than us. Something that will last. Something that matters.

This year stretched me. And not just because I forgot to book time off. But somehow, in between the chaos, I found space for family, laughter, and the occasional lazy few days .

People often ask how I haven’t burned out. Truth is: I don’t do this alone. I’m held up by an incredible team, a very patient family, and a belief that what we are doing at Moonrise is 100% worth it.

If this past year taught me anything, it’s that progress isn’t always pretty  but it’s always worth it.

We have got big plans, big hearts, and plenty of caffeine. The road ahead is full of promise and probably more meetings than I would like to admit. But we are moving forward  with purpose, passion, and maybe even a few more awkward dances when no one’s watching.

Thanks for being part of this wild journey. We are just getting started.

With all my gratitude,
Jessica Gwaringa
Founder, Moonrise

For children living in care, life can often feel uncertain and unstable. Many have faced trauma, upheaval, or loss before entering the care system, which can deeply affect their sense of safety and well-being.

In this context, establishing a consistent routine is not just helpful—it’s essential – read more to find out why…

Why Routine Matters

1 – Provides Stability and Security
Children in care may have experienced sudden changes and unpredictability. A clear daily routine offers them a sense of stability in an otherwise uncertain world. Knowing what to expect at different times of the day/night helps reduce anxiety and creates a safer emotional environment.

2 – Builds Trust
Consistent routines foster trust between children and their carers. When children see that their caregivers stick to predictable patterns—like mealtimes, bedtime, and activities—they begin to feel cared for and valued. This reliability is key to building strong, healthy relationships.

3 – Supports Emotional Regulation
For children who have experienced trauma, emotions can be overwhelming and difficult to control. Routines provide structure that helps children manage their feelings. For example, a calming bedtime routine can ease anxiety and improve sleep, which is critical for emotional and physical health.

4 – Promotes Development and Learning
Routines can be tailored to encourage positive habits and learning. Regular times for homework, play, and rest help children develop skills and confidence. Over time, these routines can contribute to academic success and social development.

5 – Encourages Independence and Responsibility
When children know their daily schedule, they can begin to take responsibility for certain tasks, like getting dressed or preparing their meals. This fosters independence and builds self-esteem.

How to Create Effective Routines

 – Consistency is Key: Keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and daily activities at similar times each day.

 – Be Flexible When Needed: While consistency is important, it’s also vital to adapt routines to meet the child’s changing needs and preferences.

 – Involve the Child: Where possible, involve children in planning their routine to give them a sense of control and ownership.

 – Include Fun and Relaxation: A routine isn’t just about tasks—ensure there’s time for play, hobbies, and relaxation.

Routine is more than just a schedule; it’s a foundation of safety, trust, and growth for children in care. By providing a consistent structure, carers can help children heal, flourish, and build a brighter future. Routines don’t just offer stability for the child—they also enhance the relationship between carer and child. Shared, predictable activities build trust, reduce tension, and create moments of connection that deepen bonds over time.

Over recent years, mental health has been getting increased attention, none of which is less than it deserves. Mental Health itself is a challenge, but knowing how to support someone who is struggling can feel overwhelming. That’s where Mental Health First Aid comes in.

Physical first aid teaches you how to respond to injuries. Mental Health First Aid trains people how to recognise and respond to early signs of mental health issues with confidence, empathy and the right next steps by offering non-judgmental support and reassurance.

So what does Mental Health First Aid cover? It gives people the tools and knowledge to spot the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues, offer initial support and reassurance, understand how to handle a mental health crisis, and guide a person to the appropriate professional help.

It is not about being able to diagnose someone. It is about listening without judgement, responding appropriately, and knowing how to act in a crisis, as you would if someone was physically unwell.

Mental Health First Aid is important for a number of reasons.

In any given year 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem. Issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and stress-related issues are increasingly affecting children, young people and adults including those with autism or learning disabilities or those living in supported or residential care.

A person has a better chance of recovery if they get help sooner. By teaching people to spot the early signs that something is not right and to support a person to get help quickly, Mental Health First Aid allows for that chance.

Mental Health First Aid opens up conversations about mental health that previously have often been avoided due to shame or discomfort. The more we taka out mental health, the more that it is normalised and reduces the stigma by building a culture of openness and respect.

In a mental health crisis, such as a panic attack, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, making the right first response can save lives. Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to be calm, respond safely and connect individuals to urgent care if needed.

Anybody who works with other people can undertake Mental Health Training. For Moonrise it is important that we have staff trained in this area who can respond with sensitivity, understanding an confidence when a person they are supporting or a colleague they are working with needs help.

At Moonrise we have first hand accounts of the importance of Mental Health First Aid through our Outreach work with Children and Young People. Our trained staff working with one of our young people noticed that they had become withdrawn, stopped eating regularly and was avoiding eye contact. As the staff were Mental Health First Aid trained they recognised these as the early signs of depression, they approached the young person with empathy, not pressure by creating a safe space to talk and connected them with mental health services. Instead of being overlooked or misunderstood the young person received the early support needed to prevent a more serious crisis from occurring.

We see mental health and we value its importance and we support those who need it. This has been achieved by fostering trust, building resilience and showing people that their well-being matters and not just when things go wrong or get hard, but every day.

By investing in Mental Health First Aid we are creating a team that is stronger, safer and more compassionate by knowing that it is about being present, prepared and proactive, whether someone is in crisis or just needs to know that they are not alone.

Supported Living is more than just a place to stay — it’s about empowering individuals to live with dignity, independence, and purpose. Understanding what Supported Living can offer is key to making informed decisions about the support an individual needs. Here are five of the most frequently asked questions and what you need to know.

1 – What is Supported Living?

Supported Living is a model of care and support that helps individuals with additional needs to live independently, while receiving personalised support. This can be in their own home or a shared setting. It is ideal for those who want more independence but still require help with daily tasks such as budgeting, cooking, or managing medication.

2 – Who is Supported Living for?

Supported Living is typically for:

• Young adults transitioning from residential care
• People with learning disabilities or autism
• Individuals with physical or mental health needs
  Each person’s support plan is bespoke, ensuring it meets their specific needs, abilities, and life goals.

3 – How is it different from residential care?

The biggest difference is choice and independence. In residential care, support is usually structured around a group living environment whereas in Supported Living the individual has more control over their daily routines, environment and support. They often have tenancy rights and the option to furnish their own space to their preferences.

4 – What kind of support is provided?

Support provided under Supported Living can include:

–  Help with personal care or hygiene

–  Meal planning and cooking

–  Budgeting and bill management

–  Accessing education, work, or volunteering

–  Emotional and social development

The level of support is flexible  and can range from a few hours per week to 24/7 assistance.

5 – How do I know if Supported Living is the right option?

Ask yourself these key questions:

–  Does the person want more independence?

–  Can they safely manage some aspects of daily life with support?

–  Are they ready to take the next step from residential care or family living?

A thorough needs assessment and trial visits can often help determine the best fit.

Final Thought

Supported Living is about freedom, not isolation and support, not control. It can be a powerful way to help young people and adults live full, self-directed lives while staying safe and supported.