Change your career: moving into social work

It’s a myth that you need social work experience to apply for our programme. Many of our trainees have come from the charity sector, the creative arts, engineering and manufacturing, retail, teaching, property and construction, and beyond.

So how can you transfer your skills to the role of a mental health social worker? What might your career pathway look like after completing the programme? Join us to hear from a panel of previous trainees who switched careers for social work, experienced social workers, and people who have used services themselves.

The session will explore what it’s like to earn as you learn on our programme, and how you could make real a difference to people with mental health needs in your community.

Registrations for this event have now closed.

Event speakers

Li Laurent: Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Li began as a trained dancer, singer-songwriter and fundamentally – music artist, before deciding that she loved learning and being a polymath was actually a viable career choice. As a qualified social worker in the UK and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker in Australia, Li works flexibly within the realm of therapeutic intervention as a therapist, researcher and specialist vocal coach. Working in person and online with clients for workshops, seminars and public speaking events.

Prior to this, Li worked in public and private practices, and helped to mobilise the first mental health social work sector for veterans with complex trauma in the UK.

Runa: Lived experience partner

Runa is an experienced HR professional with a passion for health and wellness . She is experienced in creative writing, content creation, research, presenting and broadcasting on well-being topics around health and social care for a radio station. Runa is a strong advocate and ambassador for human rights, raising awareness on oppressive cultural practices and the long term health impact on those affected, working closely with professional agencies to advise on preventative and aftercare support.

Runa brings unique insight from a South Asian female perspective and shares experience of cultural issues to remove barriers and stigma to ensure services are more accessible, professionals are equipped and have understanding so they can adequately plan for long term service improvement.

Catherine Andrews: Practice Specialist

Catherine joined Think Ahead as a Practice Specialist in 2022, having previously worked as a Consultant Social Worker with Think Ahead participants in Suffolk for the past two years. Catherine qualified from the University of East Anglia as a Social Worker in 2015 and has mainly worked within adult community mental health teams within Trust and Local Authority settings in the East of England.

Catherine qualified as a Practice Educator in 2020 and supported Think Ahead students as she wanted to encourage and support participants to qualify in Social Work with more mental health knowledge. Catherine is passionate about inspiring participants and is motivated to encourage advocacy for individuals with mental health and remain creative when supporting them.