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 with us and our academic partners Middlesex University.

Reflecting on the journey so far

Holly, one of the recent graduates, reflected on the past two years:

“It feels so good to have a qualified profession now – all the hard work was worth it to make it to graduation.”

“My favourite part of Think Ahead has been meeting all of the new people up and down the country and making friends for life.”

The challenge of qualifying

Phoebe, Practice Specialist, commented on the pride she has felt seeing our trainees move from students to qualified social workers.

“It can be a very challenging couple of years – training as a social worker whilst completing the masters alongside it.

Every single person graduating has shown a commitment to social work, and I have no doubt of the influence they will make on the people they work with and the wider mental health sector.”

Looking to the future

Holly shares how going forward she is “most looking forward to just doing the job without the assessments and essays.”

“I love my team in Southampton. I started off as a student and am now working in the team as a fully fledged member!”

We know all the 2022 cohort will go on to make a difference as social workers in the mental health workforce.

They join our alumni community of nearly 700 dedicated professionals, whose work is needed now more than ever.

Social workers are vital to ensuring people with mental health needs have access to the right support at the time – but we need more of them. We will continue to advocate for their potential to be recognised.