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Thea’s story

Writing for our 10 year anniversary series, Thea reflects on her social work journey and the pride it’s brought her.

The best part of my job is when I discharge someone – I mean that in a really positive way! When I finish working with someone, I love talking to them about how far they’ve come, and what they have achieved.

It’s great to have been able to support and cheer someone on from the sidelines, and it’s a proud moment to see people achieve their recovery goals.

Passionate about social work

I joined Think Ahead as part of their first cohort and have been passionate about social work since day one! The people I’ve worked with really stick with me, especially the ones who’ve regained their independence and passion for life.

There are some more difficult days, when I’m working with people who are severely unwell, and whose recovery might look quite different.

But it is always a privilege to be part of someone’s story and I remind myself of the people who’ve gone on to do amazing things and achieved their goals, and that I’ve been lucky enough to help facilitate some of those moments.

It is always a privilege to be part of someone’s story and I remind myself of the people who’ve gone on to do amazing things and achieved their goals.

I’m also now a trained Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and do a joint CBT and social work role. I wanted to wear both hats: practically supporting people with their day-to-day needs and be able to offer therapeutic support.

In 2019 a service user I was working with came into the NHS trust building I was working in and handed the receptionist a note she’d written. She said: “If there’s an award, I’d like to nominate Thea”.

My supervisor then nominated me for the national awards, and I was so surprised when I won. I felt real imposter syndrome as I’d only been a social worker for a few years, but it was a really proud moment.


Thea was part of our first cohort and was awarded Social Worker of the Year in 2019.

To mark our ten year anniversary, we’re sharing personal testimonies from people involved with our charity.  From mental health practitioners like Thea, 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.