DARE
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With compassion, confidence and the right attitude, a career in care can take you further than you ever imagined
WORDS: JULIE BURNISTON
CARE
Care community – members of Teesside’ s Moonrise care team.
I f you think a career in care can’ t lead to great things, think again!
Meet Jessica Gwaringa, managing director of Moonrise 24 Hour Recruitment.
Under Jess’ s leadership, Moonrise has become Teesside’ s most successful, award-winning care provider.
The company employs more than 300 people, offering specialist services in domiciliary care, supported living, complex care and children’ s services.
Now a respected and award-winning business leader, Jessica’ s journey began not in a boardroom but on the care floor.
From humble beginnings
Born in Zimbabwe, Jessica moved to the UK more than 20 years ago. Guided by her caring nature, she began work as a healthcare assistant while training to become a mental health nurse.
After qualifying, she worked as a nurse and later as a care home manager, where she saw first-hand the need for better, more reliable agency workers.
In 2014, she founded Moonrise with the simple belief that great care can change lives.
“ If you have a kind heart and want to make a difference, care isn’ t just a job, it can be the start of an amazing career,” says Jessica.
“ You’ ll make memories, grow as a person and do something that truly matters. There are real opportunities for leadership and advancement.
“ If you’ re kind and committed, it could be the best decision you ever make.”
What makes a great carer?
Jessica believes great carers are defined by character, not qualifications.
“ Some of our best carers started straight out of school,” she says.“ They didn’ t have experience, but they had the right attitude.”
For Jessica, the key to care is compassion.
“ You need to recognise someone’ s needs even when they can’ t tell you and you need to respond with genuine kindness.”
A great carer, she adds, is empathetic, patient and reliable- a team player who stays positive even on the toughest days.
Could care be for you?
At Moonrise, Jessica and her team are experts at spotting potential.
“ If someone has the right mindset and passion, we’ ll support them all the way,” she says.
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