The role of a mental health social worker

Mental health social workers (MHSWs) play a crucial role in responding to rising mental health needs across the country. They bring a whole‑person, social model approach that recognises how factors such as housing, relationships, poverty, trauma and community connection shape people’s mental wellbeing. By focusing on these wider determinants, MHSWs provide support that complements clinical care and helps prevent crises before they occur.

This briefing sets out the distinctive contribution of mental health social workers, the evidence of their impact, and why strengthening this workforce is essential to delivering sustainable, person‑centred mental health support.

Read the briefing here