Keep Going!

Every journey worth taking comes with its fair share of bumps, pauses, and unexpected turns.

Today, our organisation received a message we had hoped would read differently. After applying to the John Lewis Partnership Foundation’s Building Happier Futures Fund, we were kindly informed that—despite a strong proposal and a great deal of hard work—our application was not successful this time.

And you know what?

That’s okay.

Rejections are not dead-ends; they’re reminders that our mission is bigger than any single “yes” or “no.” The note we received made it clear that the competition was incredibly strong and the volume of applications high. This means we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with many passionate, impactful organisations working to make the world better. That alone is something to be proud of.

Most importantly, this moment gives us a chance to reflect on how far we’ve already come. The very act of applying required clarity, courage, and belief in our work. It pushed us to express our purpose boldly and to articulate the change we know we can bring to the children and communities we support.

A rejection doesn’t diminish that mission. It doesn’t erase our progress. And it certainly doesn’t signal the end.

If anything, it’s fuel.

So, to anyone walking a similar path—anyone chasing funding, building a dream, growing a project, or holding onto a vision that sometimes feels just out of reach—here’s a gentle reminder:

Keep going.

Because the work matters.

Because progress rarely comes in a straight line.

Because today’s “no” might be tomorrow’s stepping stone to something even better.

Because every attempt strengthens your voice, sharpens your purpose, and lifts your resilience.

We’ll continue applying, learning, and evolving. We’ll keep seeking partners who believe in our mission just as much as we do. And we’ll move forward knowing that this setback is simply part of our story—not the end of it.

Onward, with love, hope and determination.

Just keep going!