News about Think Ahead’s future funding
We’re sad to share news that the Department of Health and Social Care has decided not to continue funding the Think Ahead programme for the 2026 Cohort and beyond. Our 2025 Cohort – due to start this summer – will go ahead as planned. We are extremely disappointed with this decision. The Think Ahead programme […]
-
12 Mar / 26
Working in partnership to put employment on the mental health agenda: championing careers in Individual Placement and Support
At Think Ahead, we have long advocated for social approaches to mental health treatment. That means understanding and treating the social determinants that affect the individual – things like employment, physical health, relationships, and housing. Without addressing social issues that cause mental ill health, the medical or psychological models will always fall short. With a number of government initiatives introduced aimed at reducing unemployment, we wanted to talk […]
-
5 Mar / 26
Philippa Mariani stepping down as CEO
As we restructure to reflect the changing size and scope of the Think Ahead mental health social work programme, leading towards the completion of the final cohort in 2027, the Board of Trustees is sad to announce that Philippa Mariani has decided to move on after nearly three and half years as our Chief Executive. Philippa said, “It […]
-
8 Jan / 26
Five priorities for fixing community mental health services
In our latest blog, our External Affairs Officer, Florence, reflects on the recent Health and Social Care Committee report into Community Mental Health Services and highlights the five most pressing areas for change. Community mental health services are under enormous pressure: people are waiting too long for care, staff are overstretched, and outcomes remain deeply […]
-
27 Nov / 25News
Our response to the Autumn Budget
It’s deeply concerning that yesterday’s budget made no mention of mental health, and offered no commitment to the increased investment our overstretched services urgently require. The funding for 250 new neighbourhood health centres is welcome, and measures such as raising the minimum wage and removing the two-child benefit cap will undoubtedly support people’s wellbeing. But […]
-
24 Nov / 25Expert insight
Mental health social work: a missing piece in the NHS workforce plan
In our latest blog, our External Affairs Officer, Florence, sets out why strengthening the mental health social work workforce is more urgent than ever. The workforce is the heart of the NHS, but right now staff across the system are under immense pressure trying to deliver high-quality care without the time, resources or support they […]
-
18 Nov / 25Expert insight
Responding to NHS data on waits for mental health patients in A&E
One in 10 mental health patients waiting over 24 hours in A&E is a crisis we should never accept. The latest NHS England data* shows people reaching out at their most vulnerable, only to be left waiting. Mental health patients may be a small proportion of attendances, but they often face longer waits than patients […]
-
16 Oct / 25
Responding to State of the Adult Social Care Sector Workforce report
The latest Skills for Care report shows some positive steps in adult social care, including falling vacancy rates. But real and persistent challenges remain in building a workforce that is supported, developed, and recognised for the value it brings. To realise the ambitions of the 10-year health plan, we need a social care workforce that […]
-
8 Oct / 25Expert insight
Lessons from Labour Party Conference 2025: Where is mental health?
Our Head of Communications and Public Affairs Katie Leay shares her reflections from this year’s Labour Party Conference. Labour’s 2025 Conference was buzzing with ambition to transform our health system – but I came away thinking – is mental health being forgotten again? I attended alongside our Chief Executive, Philippa Mariani, and Levi Chambers-Cook – […]
-
1 Oct / 25
Responding to Fair Pay Agreement
The introduction of a Fair Pay Agreement is a long-overdue recognition that social care is skilled, essential work that deserves better pay and conditions. Sustained workforce investment However, whilst the £500m commitment is a start, it must be matched with sustained investment in the workforce to: improve conditions tackle staff shortages and support longer-term reform. […]
-
12 Sep / 25News
Responding to whether social workers will be in the next NHS workforce plan
Mental health social workers must be properly recognised as part of the NHS workforce. We were so pleased to hear Andrew George MP raise the vital question of whether social workers will be included in the next NHS workforce plan at this week’s Health and Social Care Select Committee session. This is something we said […]
-
7 Aug / 25
2025 trainees begin their social work journey
Our 2025 trainees have begun their journey to train and qualify as mental health social workers. We are delighted to welcome them to the programme and support them through the next two years. Social approach to mental health Starting with five weeks intensive training on our Summer Institute, our social work trainees have been preparing […]
-
28 Jul / 25Expert insight
Why social workers are vital for mental health services
Lyn Romeo, Think Ahead Trustee and former Chief Social Worker for Adults, explains why social workers are vital for mental health services and supports our #SocialWorkMatters campaign – to ensure that everyone with severe mental illness has access to a mental health social worker. Nation’s mental health crisis At this year’s British Association of Social […]