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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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18 Mar / 25Expert insight
Social work matters – our case for investment
Social work matters – but it’s continuously undervalued and overlooked by policy makers. This World Social Work Day we’re launching our Social Work Matters campaign to ensure that everyone with severe mental illness has access to a mental health social worker. We welcome the government’s commitment to investment in frontline roles but want to be sure […]
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19 Feb / 25
LGBTQ+ History Month: Social change and activism
LGBTQ+ History Month is an important month in acknowledging the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality and the impact this had on many people’s lives across the years. This year’s theme of social change and activism feels especially relevant to social work, which as a profession has always been a force for social change. Working with LGBTQ+ […]
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13 Dec / 24News
Announcing our new Trustees
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of two new trustees joining our board. Lyn Romeo CBE and Steve Oldfield CB have now joined our board, alongside Peter Hay CBE, our new Chair of the Board. Philippa Mariani, CEO said “We are delighted to welcome Lyn Romeo and Steve Oldfield to our board. Respected experts in […]
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6 Dec / 24News
With Insight Education partnership: changing the narrative
We are delighted to share that we’ve partnered with pioneering educational charity With Insight Education. With Insight Education is on a mission to ensure the representation of black heritage students at university and in careers, reflecting the available talent of young people. For the start of this collaboration members of our alumni community spoke to […]
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5 Dec / 24
Welcoming our new Chair of Trustees
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. Peter Hay CBE is joining to replace longstanding founding Chair, Professor Dame Carol Black GBE, as she comes to the end of her full term on the Board. A hugely experienced leader in social care, Peter’s expertise and […]
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2 Dec / 24News
Social work must be prioritised in 10 Year Health Plan
In our response to the NHS Change Consultation, we are calling for the government to prioritise “forgotten” mental health social workers. Policymakers have a blind spot which continuously overlooks the impact mental health social workers have in improving patient outcomes. But it is mental health social workers who hold the key to fulfilling the government’s […]
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1 Nov / 24News
Supporting the approved mental health professional network
We are delighted to be supporting the approved mental health professional network. In partnership with PCH (which is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care) we are working with five local authorities, we are embedding the National Service Standards to improve service delivery for people. Alexia Fenwick, Professional Development Lead explains: “Approved mental health […]
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15 Oct / 24News
Think Ahead turns 10
“It began with a spark of an idea to make the social, economic and environmental factors affecting people’s mental health the bedrock of training for careers in the sector. From that spark grew the highly regarded organisation that Think Ahead is today.” Those are the words of our Chief Executive, Philippa Mariani, about Think Ahead’s […]