Calling for investment in the mental health workforce
Ahead of next year’s General Election, we have published our first Think Ahead manifesto for urgent transformation of the mental health workforce. Workforce Matters: A Manifesto, shares the often challenging reality of life on the frontline and impact the ongoing workforce crisis is having on people’s care. Developed with mental health practitioners across the NHS […]
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9 Nov / 16News
Independent evaluation of Think Ahead begins
As part of our aim to build evaluation into how the Think Ahead programme works, earlier this year we invited proposals from external partners to carry out an independent assessment of our impact. We received lots of exciting offers, and we’re delighted to now be working with a team from the Universities of Durham and […]
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1 Nov / 16Features
Film: “I wanted to do something that helped others”
Al Tooms was studying English Literature at the University of Lancaster when he came across Think Ahead. Al was looking for a graduate programme that would lead him into a rewarding career, having previously done some volunteering with young people with mental health problems. After finding out more about what mental health social workers do, […]
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25 Oct / 16Features
“This is the place to come if you want to change the world”
We spoke to Paul Farmer, CEO of Mind, about the challenges in mental health and the value of social workers. What made you want to work in mental health? I started to see the importance of mental health at a personal level when I was young – a member of my family had mental health […]
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11 Oct / 16Features
“Social work is therapeutic input at its best”
Alivia Bray, a Think Ahead participant, has written about her experiences in her first few weeks of on-the-job training to be a mental health social worker. In a piece written for the Guardian, Alivia has reflected on her first few weeks working in a community mental health team, which she joined in September. She writes: “I […]
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10 Oct / 16Features
World Mental Health Day: Social work and mental health first aid
It’s World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme includes Psychological and Mental Health First Aid, bringing to light the importance of supporting people through mental health crises. For thousands of people who experience a mental health crisis each year, their lifeline isn’t a paramedic or a psychiatrist – it’s their social worker who answers […]
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10 Oct / 16Features
The role of social work in supporting people through crisis
Every year, thousands of people experience a mental health crisis. Jacqui Bell, an experienced social worker working with Think Ahead, describes the unique role that social workers play in supporting people through these situations. Crisis can affect anyone Anyone can experience a mental health crisis. They affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, whether […]
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7 Oct / 16In the media
“Why I’m backing Think Ahead”
John Short, chief executive of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, has written about why he jumped at the chance to partner with Think Ahead. Here’s the article in full, which first appeared on Community Care. When I started my career in 1983, I never expected to take the management route, and certainly never […]
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20 Sep / 16Features
“It can be a tough profession” – a mental health social worker reflects
Peb Johal, a mental health social worker from Coventry, shares her reflections on the rewards and challenges of her job. My passion for working with communities led me to work for a charity for 13 years as an Advice Worker, Manager, and Local Authority Community Economic Regeneration Officer. Unfortunately, I felt I didn’t really have […]
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12 Sep / 16News
Film: Could you be a mental health social worker?
Our new film, released today, invites you to step into the shoes of a mental health social worker and hear three stories – of the challenges you might face, and the impact you could achieve. The stories, which are portrayed by actors, are based on input from people who use mental health services and from […]
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5 Sep / 16News
Applications open to join Think Ahead in 2017
Applications are now open to join the Think Ahead programme in July 2017! If you want a graduate job that’s both rewarding and demanding, and you’re motivated to do something about the mental health challenge, from today you can apply to start your leadership career with Think Ahead. On our two-year programme you’ll be paid to work […]
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2 Sep / 16In the media
Think Ahead featured on BBC Radio 4
Think Ahead has been featured on BBC Radio 4’s PM programme. Reporter Andrew Bomford visited our Summer Institute, to interview some of our participants and record them practising their skills as they prepare to begin their on-the-job training next week. Participant Ben Roderick told the BBC: “I was looking at what people might see as more conventional career paths […]
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1 Sep / 16Features
“It’s really given me confidence”: A participant’s reflections on the Summer Institute
This Monday Think Ahead participants will join community mental health teams across the country to begin their on-the-job training as social workers. Here, Jenni Wingrove, a participant who will start training in Luton, shares her reflections on how she’s feeling ahead of starting the role, and the best bits of the six-week Summer Institute. Why […]