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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29 Nov / 23Expert insight
Calling for investment in the workforce
We have published our first Think Ahead manifesto, calling 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 and social care sector, and […]
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24 Oct / 23
Contract extended to bolster mental health social work
The Department of Health and Social Care has extended Think Ahead’s contract to recruit and train 320 mental health social workers by 2027. The funding will be used to recruit 160 graduate trainees in 2024 and again in 2025. Think Ahead is a national programme which attracts thousands of people every year to a career […]
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16 Oct / 23News
Join the mental health mission: apply today
Applications for 2024 entry to our mental health social work programme are now open. With Think Ahead, you could be paid to train as a mental health social worker and support people with mental health needs. Joining the programme you will: Gain a fully-funded postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. Be an advocate […]
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22 Aug / 23In the media
Finalists in Social Work Awards 2023
We are delighted that three current and former Think Ahead trainees and one of the programme’s academic tutors are finalists in the Social Work Awards 2023. Karla Coppendale (2022 cohort), James Hussain (2021 cohort), Eleanor Hinchcliffe (2017 cohort) and David Bulmer (Senior Lecturer in Social Work for Middlesex University) have each been nominated and announced […]
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18 Aug / 23News
2022 Cohort finish their first year
Congratulations to our 2022 cohort for completing their first year of our mental health social work programme. From music teachers to journalists our 2022 trainees came from a broad range of backgrounds and started their social work journey in July 2022 with a five-week summer institute. Over the past year they have studied for a […]
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10 Jul / 23News
2023 cohort begin their training journey
A new programme has begun for our latest group of trainees. The 2023 Cohort kicked off their training journey with a day of introduction talks and teaching at the 2023 Summer Institute. The new trainees will join NHS trusts and local authorities across the country, some joining community mental health teams, and some more specialised […]
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4 Jul / 23
Submission to the major conditions strategy
In May 2023, the Department of Health and Social Care launched an open consultation to gather evidence and expertise on how to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage the six major groups of health conditions – including mental health – that most affect the population in England. We recruit, train, and develop the mental health workforce […]
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23 Jun / 23
From social worker to expert by experience
Rebecca Regler, one of our Lived Experience Partners, graduated in social work nine years ago. After becoming an enthusiastic newly qualified social worker, she sadly became very unwell and was left disabled. Her life was turned upside down. Experiencing chronic pain, severe fatigue, and frequent joint dislocations, she became a wheelchair user and was no […]
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16 Jun / 23In the media
Finalist for BBC Radio 4 All in The Mind Awards
We are delighted that Think Ahead alum Nikki Lonsdale is one of nine BBC Radio 4 All in The Mind Awards finalists, after being nominated by Vicki who she supported in her role as Care Coordinator. Shortlisted from almost 1,000 nominations, Nikki is a finalist for the Professional Award which celebrates mental health professionals whose […]
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17 Apr / 23
Become a Trustee for Think Ahead
Think Ahead are looking for two new Trustees to join our dedicated and experienced Board of Trustees. We are looking for two inspiring leaders to bring experience and insight to an already strong Board. Currently led by Professor Dame Carol Black CBE, our Trustees work together to set strategic objectives and ensure Think Ahead delivers […]
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20 Mar / 23
Celebrating Social Workers
We are delighted to be marking Social Work Week, to celebrate and reflect on the impact social workers have on the lives of people every day. Led by the specialist regulator Social Work England, the week aims to bring people together to learn, connect, and influence change. Learn: the breadth of social work – lived, […]
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16 Mar / 23News
Supporting job seekers living with mental health problems
We are delighted to be joining forces with the not-for-profit organisation, Social Finance, to help bring specialist support to job seekers living with mental health problems. Commissioned by NHS England, we are embarking on a two-year joint project to expand Individual Placement and Support across the country. Working with the 70 Individual Placement Support providers […]