“You’re bringing a great passion into social work” – Chief Social Worker

Lyn Romeo, Chief Social Worker for Adults, gave her support for Think Ahead at the Opening Ceremony for our Summer Institute last night, telling our participants and supporters: “You’re bringing a great passion into social work.”

Don’t underestimate the impact you can have as a mental health social worker.

John Short, Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

The event was opened by Dame Carol Black, Think Ahead’s Chair, who spoke about the importance of leadership in social work. Our Joint Chief Executives Ella Joseph and Natalie Acton congratulated participants on getting a place on the programme, and thanked them for choosing to enter social work.

Several of the guests also gave short speeches to welcome and encourage participants, including Paul Richardson, Head of Social Care Quality at the Department of Health, Brett Wigdortz, Founder and CEO of Teach First, and John Short, Chief Executive of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Several Think Ahead participants will train within this Trust, and John – who began his own career as a mental health social worker – told participants: “Don’t underestimate the impact you can have as a mental health social worker.”

Follow the Summer Institute action on Twitter using #ThinkAheadSI.