Thank You and Farewell to Our Valued Team Members

As we close another fruitful summer at Open Lens Media and prepare for the autumn months ahead, I want to take a moment, with both gratitude and a touch of sadness, to bid farewell to some very special members of our team.

Farewell to Our Facilitation Team Member

As a cherished member of our Facilitation Team, Josh has brought a cocktail of high energy, careful concern, and unwavering loyalty to OLM in both good and challenging times. Saying goodbye is no easy feat. 

Josh, Programme Delivery Facilitator

Josh joined OLM as a Junior Facilitator in 2021, full of creative ideas and a hunger to help others. Over the time he has been with us, we have witnessed him embed all of these qualities into his work. He has made a huge contribution to our team. Whether guiding discussions, nurturing group spirit, or helping us navigate challenges, Josh has always led with kindness and insight. Thank you, Josh, for your commitment, your laughter, and the support you have brought into our team. We wish you every success and happiness in your future endeavours. You will be greatly missed.

Gratitude to Our Departing Governance Board Members

I would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to Jacqueline and Stuart, who are completing their tenure as Directors on our Governance Board. Their contributions have guided OLM through important chapters of our journey, and we are sincerely grateful for the time, energy, and perspectives they shared with us.

Jacqueline, Autism and SEND Director

Jacqueline has been a steady advocate for inclusion and accessibility, reminding us of the importance of ensuring that young people with additional needs are fully represented in our work. Throughout her time on the board, Jacqueline’s insight and commitment have been invaluable in helping OLM shape programmes that are thoughtful, empathetic, and grounded in real-world challenges. I want to personally thank her for being one of our earliest supporters, a constant source of encouragement, and much more. As we stated recently, our journey together is simply changing form, and we are encouraged to know that we will be exploring new ways of working together in the future.

Stuart, Youth and Community Engagement Director

Stuart has brought unwavering passion and drive to his role, continually challenging us to think about our personal development, our reach, and how we connect with communities. His perspective has stretched our vision and contributed to OLM’s growth as an organisation committed to meaningful, lasting change and value-aligned relationships with other purpose-driven organisations. I want to personally thank him for the passion and perspective he has contributed, the countless opportunities he has helped us access through his connected and community-focused nature, and I look forward to working together in even more impactful ways in the near future.

Change is a natural part of any organisation’s growth, and while it is never easy to say farewell to those who have been part of our story, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose, building on the foundations laid by all who have walked with us. I am excited to carry their inspiration forward as we continue our work with young people and communities.

Daina Anderson Mpunzi,

CEO & Business Director