"As I start my last day as NAViGO's chief executive, I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for making my time one of the most rewarding periods of my professional life.
"I started as NAViGO's chief executive on the basis that I would do the role for 18 months having retired from the NHS the previous year. However, I enjoyed working with our staff all so much that I never took any persuading when I was asked if I would stay on a bit longer – and here we are five years later.
"There have been so many highlights in the last five years – and challenges too – but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
"I just love the ethos and values we have at NAViGO. I love the way that both our staff and service users have such a big say in what NAViGO does and the way we do it. I love the family feel to the organisation. And I love the way that we are always striving to improve what we do and to develop new or innovative services.
"I think NAViGO is like Mighty Mouse - we may be small but we have great strength and courage. Strength through our staff and service users and courage through always wanting to push the boundaries on what modern mental health care can look like.
"Thank you so much for allowing me to keep contributing to the NAViGO journey as your new chair and if Simon enjoys his time as chief executive half as much as I did he will have an absolute blast. I know that you will all give him your 100% support in his new role. Baton over to you Simon!!
"Thank you, once again, from the bottom of my heart."
- Jane Lewington