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 – […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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17 Jul / 25
Responding to 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre
Mental health is not just a health issue, but a social one. That’s why we welcome the opening of the first 24/7 Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre, with five more to follow this year. Social approach to mental health We’re pleased that the centres will offer community-focused support to people with mental health needs, including advice […]
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15 Jul / 25
Responding to ADASS Spring Survey
We will not fix healthcare unless we fix social care too. The results from Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Spring Survey shows how investment in social care is needed now more than ever. Shift to community With the lowest percent of the adult social care budget being spent on prevention since 2021/22, […]
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3 Jul / 25
Responding to 10 Year Health Plan
The 10-year health plan sets out important ambitions – but without workforce investment it won’t deliver. We welcome the priorities set out in the 10-year health plan. Shifting care into the community with Neighbourhood Health Services, focusing on prevention, and tackling the root causes of ill health are the right areas of focus, especially when […]
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2 Jul / 25
Responding to Welfare Reform Bill
Welfare reform should strengthen the safety net, not pull it away from those who need it most. We’re relieved that the changes made to the welfare reform bill will protect people who are currently receiving support, and allow time for more consultation and consideration on Personal Independence Payments. But we remain concerned about what happens […]
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1 Jul / 25
2022 Cohort Graduation
We want to wish our 2022 cohort a massive congratulations for having graduated last week. This marks the end of their time on the programme with us, but only the start of their careers as mental health social workers. We’re incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication they’ve put into their training and studies […]
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26 Jun / 25
Responding to Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey
Poor mental health is increasing in the UK – the government must act now. The newest data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey shows a worrying increase of people experiencing mental health conditions, at a time when mental health services and practitioners are already being pushed to their limits. Investment in the workforce Everyone with mental […]
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11 Jun / 25News
Responding to Spending Review
Today’s Spending Review gives us a crucial insight into what the government’s priorities really are – but we want to see more done to ensure mental health gets the urgent attention it needs. Impact on people with mental health needs We welcome the investment in the NHS and the expansion of mental health support in […]