Jacqui’s story
Writing for our 10 year anniversary series, Jacqui reflects on how Think Ahead has transformed over the past 10 years.
I always go back to where we started, what we do now and how we’ve transformed what we are doing.
The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown were transformational for my team and for all our trainees. Looking back, it’s hard to believe that we didn’t know what would happen.
Can we run our programme during lockdown? What is the experience going to be like for people accessing mental health services?
It was a difficult time for many of us but also a time to think of different ways of working and connecting – many of which we still use now. We’ve especially embraced the benefits of using technology to support us going forward.
I think the group that found it more complex is the people accessing mental health services. If they don’t see a person in real life and don’t have face-to-face meetings, that perhaps needs more thought around how that works and feels right for them.
Sitting in on lectures reminds me of when I was a social worker, reflecting on my journey and the journey the trainees are about to embark on.
Training the next generation of social workers
Reflecting on the past ten years, my highlight is always the Summer Institute; having fun on campus and getting to know trainees outside of learning environments.
Sitting in on lectures reminds me of when I was a social worker, reflecting on my journey and the journey the trainees are about to embark on.
It’s a reminder about the importance of always being person-centered and how you never stop learning – even though I qualified as a social worker a long time ago!
Jacqui leads our Practice Specialist Team of experienced social workers.
To mark our ten year anniversary, we’re sharing personal testimonies from people involved with our charity. From mental health practitioners like Tom, to trainees of ours, people with lived experience of mental health services, and our NHS and social care partners.
Read more of these on our stories page.