“I’m proud to set an example for my children as a mental health social worker.”

Mental health social workers are vital in supporting pregnant women and new mothers. For World Maternal Mental Health Day, Laura a mum of two and Think Ahead trainee, talks about balancing parenthood with work, and using that insight to support other mums.  

I was interested in applying for the Think Ahead programme for a long time before I did. I have a two-year-old and a four-year-old, so I put off applying for a while, but I’m so glad I didn’t wait any longer. It’s definitely been a challenge to balance being a parent and a trainee mental health social worker, but I want anyone reading this to know that it’s definitely possible.

I’m someone who has always wanted to help others. Before joining the programme I had a range of experiences and roles trying to do that, including working in a needle exchange, studying mental health nursing, and working as a community payback officer with a probation unit. Mental health problems affected so many people I worked with, but I sometimes felt like I wasn’t always in the best position to help.

I came across Think Ahead and I felt like the values of social work really spoke to me. I then had my two children, so it wasn’t until 2021 that I applied for the programme. I was thrilled to be offered a place on the programme, training and working at Bradford City Council in a Community Mental Health Team.

It’s definitely been a challenge to balance being a parent and a trainee mental health social worker, but I want anyone reading this to know that it’s definitely possible.

Balancing my studies with being a parent has certainly been challenging, but manageable. The academic work is demanding, but I’ve been given flexibility when I’ve needed it. I’ve always wanted a Master’s and I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without funding and support, so being paid to complete one was a real positive for me. I know that being able to complete lots of the learning remotely made it easier for me and a few of my colleagues too.

I’ve found the programme to be very supportive, and lots of people have been available to listen, including my Consultant Social Worker, academic tutor and Think Ahead Practice Specialist. They’ve helped me manage my workload, talk through any worries I’ve had, and make sure everything is going well with my on-the-job training. I’ve always felt able to be open and honest with everyone about anything I need, and the other people training with me have also been really supportive.

Having my own children has also helped me when working with mothers and children. Mothers and families have often told me they appreciate working with someone who knows some of the pressures they are under. Social workers will always try to avoid making any judgements or assumptions. And, because I know how difficult motherhood can be at times, I think I have an even better insight into what I can do to help them.

My children are too young to know exactly what I do just yet, but they know I am helping people, and that’s an example I’m proud to set for them.

If I was to give one piece of advice it would be to plan your time as much as you can, because as a social worker no two days are the same! I love the fact that there are so many ways I can help someone, and the ways in which I support one person might be completely different to the next. I think everyone deserves the chance to be the best version of themselves and being able to support people in a range of ways makes such a difference.

When I tell people I’m training to be a social worker, they do sometimes have misconceptions about the role, but when I explain to them what it is I do on a day-to-day basis, they see how much we do to support people. My children are too young to know exactly what I do just yet, but they know I am helping people, and that’s an example I’m proud to set for them.

Laura joined our training programme in 2021, in a community mental health team with Bradford City Council.