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 for their academic studies with Middlesex University and their first social work placements in NHS and local authorities mental health teams.

A key building block of their training is to understand how social factors – such as housing, relationships, employment – can have an impact of someone’s mental health.

We’re committed to a social approach to mental health and will continue to make it a key part of how we train and develop the mental health workforce.

Experts by experience

Alongside the academic introduction to social work, our trainees have heard from lived experience speakers, who have first-hand experiences with the mental health system and know what makes a great social worker.

“Such an inspiring talk you delivered, I will remember it fondly”

2025 trainee

Our trainees were joined by Andrew, Jake and Marie who all kindly shared their lived experience of mental health needs, and advice for our trainees as they embark on their social work journey.

Their valuable insights included:

• Andrew: “If you can listen to someone’s story, that is invaluable. They may not have told that to someone else. It’s about the things that are going on in their head. If you can get those kinds of stories from someone, that’s equally as valuable as trying to use other social work interventions”.
• Jake: “One of the most powerful things anyone can do, is to advocate for someone. As social workers you are that person who can plant those seeds of reassurance and trust. The role that you play is critical.”
• Marie: “Please remember that every person you meet is an expert in their own life.We’re all experts through lived experience value that expertise. Be curious about it, learn from it and let it lead. Don’t put people in boxes.

Connecting with the cohort

Community within our cohort is incredibly important, and the Summer Institute offers our trainees their first opportunity to begin forming important connections.

Many trainees form bonds across the programme and beyond, allowing them to access peer support with people going through the same, often challenging, training as them.

Morgan, one of our new trainees, is already feeling the benefits of this:

“One of my biggest highlights has been the in-person week at Middlesex University – meeting so many wise and wonderful people, and learning so much from them.”

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be working alongside such talented, motivated and passionate people.”

The next two years

I learned so much, and met so many wonderful people. The future of social work is very bright.

Emily, 2025 trainee

We are excited to see our trainees develop over the next two years as they establish their social work identity and become valued members of the mental health workforce.

At a time when the value of social workers needs to be recognised more than ever, we are glad to see another year of people dedicated to the profession and to supporting people with mental health needs.