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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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, […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
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 […]
-
21 May / 25News
Responding to Community Care poll
We have been heartened by the response and support we’ve had from many in the sector and from our partner organisations over the last few weeks, following the news that the Department of Health and Social Care will not continue funding our programme beyond our 2025 intake. We are incredibly proud of what we have […]
-
30 Apr / 25News
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 […]
-
24 Apr / 25Expert insight
Think Ahead gives evidence to Health and Social Care Committee on community mental health services
This week, we gave evidence to the Health and Social Care Select Committee as part of our ongoing inquiry into community mental health services. Our External Relations Director Penny East appeared alongside Stephen Parker from Turning Point and Duncan Tree from the Association of Mental Health Providers. Importance of a social approach We train social […]
-
1 Apr / 25
Recovery is more than medicine
Mental health needs aren’t just medical conditions, and supporting people doesn’t just mean treating their symptoms. Many people with mental health needs also need support with housing, benefits and employment. Mental health social workers like Chloe can support people with these social issues, and provide vital support in ways other professionals can’t. Chloe was part […]