Think Ahead
@thinkaheadmh.bsky.social
Training and developing a thriving mental health workforce to support people with mental health needs to live the life they want.
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Think Ahead
@thinkaheadmh.bsky.social
· Aug 12
📢Everyone with a severe mental illness should have access to a mental health social worker.
Mental health social workers provide life-changing support – but the profession is continuously misunderstood, undervalued and overlooked.
Mental health social workers provide life-changing support – but the profession is continuously misunderstood, undervalued and overlooked.
We need a joined-up #SocialCare system that’s able to provide responsive, preventative care with a social-first approach.
Read our recommendations to the government’s Independent Commission. https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
Read our recommendations to the government’s Independent Commission. https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
February 3, 2026 at 2:37 PM
We need a joined-up #SocialCare system that’s able to provide responsive, preventative care with a social-first approach.
Read our recommendations to the government’s Independent Commission. https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
Read our recommendations to the government’s Independent Commission. https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
The Care Quality Commission's annual report on the Mental Health Act makes clear that people are waiting too long for the mental health care they need.
At Think Ahead, we believe a strong, well-supported workforce is vital to protecting rights and delivering timely care.
At Think Ahead, we believe a strong, well-supported workforce is vital to protecting rights and delivering timely care.
January 30, 2026 at 12:31 PM
The Care Quality Commission's annual report on the Mental Health Act makes clear that people are waiting too long for the mental health care they need.
At Think Ahead, we believe a strong, well-supported workforce is vital to protecting rights and delivering timely care.
At Think Ahead, we believe a strong, well-supported workforce is vital to protecting rights and delivering timely care.
We've submitted evidence to the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care.
We're calling for:
1. Modern, integrated systems
2. Social, holistic support
3. Workforce investment
https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
#AdultSocialCare
We're calling for:
1. Modern, integrated systems
2. Social, holistic support
3. Workforce investment
https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
#AdultSocialCare
January 27, 2026 at 9:30 AM
We've submitted evidence to the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care.
We're calling for:
1. Modern, integrated systems
2. Social, holistic support
3. Workforce investment
https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
#AdultSocialCare
We're calling for:
1. Modern, integrated systems
2. Social, holistic support
3. Workforce investment
https://thinkahead.org/publication/submission-to-the-independent-commission-on-adult-social-care/
#AdultSocialCare
Closer working across local authority and NHS mental health teams is essential for joined-up care.
Ben works in the Cheshire West Specialist Mental Health Social Care team, in the same office as his local NHS Community Mental Health Team.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
Ben works in the Cheshire West Specialist Mental Health Social Care team, in the same office as his local NHS Community Mental Health Team.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
January 23, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Closer working across local authority and NHS mental health teams is essential for joined-up care.
Ben works in the Cheshire West Specialist Mental Health Social Care team, in the same office as his local NHS Community Mental Health Team.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
Ben works in the Cheshire West Specialist Mental Health Social Care team, in the same office as his local NHS Community Mental Health Team.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
The Health and Social Care Committee has identified priorities to improve community mental health services.
The bottom line: support and retain the workforce.
Read our recommendations:
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
#SocialWorkMatters
The bottom line: support and retain the workforce.
Read our recommendations:
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
#SocialWorkMatters
!["[Mental health] workforce shortages and retention issues are acute. High turnover, limited career progression and poor recognition of mental health social workers compromise continuity of care and integration."
Health and Social Care Committee 2026 Community Mental Health Services Summary 2024-26
In the bottom right of the graphic is a front cover of the Health and Social Care Committee's report into Community Mental Health Services in the UK.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4oau7tjdnazsjq5utibbsjup/bafkreigzsxjvmprih3kfbrur4zfyvimywrobuewqt5k2temgstylvuu4oq@jpeg)
January 20, 2026 at 9:30 AM
The Health and Social Care Committee has identified priorities to improve community mental health services.
The bottom line: support and retain the workforce.
Read our recommendations:
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
#SocialWorkMatters
The bottom line: support and retain the workforce.
Read our recommendations:
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
#SocialWorkMatters
Today, we’re supporting Samaritans for #BrewMonday ☕
‘Blue Monday’ might be a myth, but struggling with mental health is very real - and it can happen any day of the year. Today is a good reminder to check in with loved ones, start a conversation, and let people know they’re not alone.
‘Blue Monday’ might be a myth, but struggling with mental health is very real - and it can happen any day of the year. Today is a good reminder to check in with loved ones, start a conversation, and let people know they’re not alone.
January 19, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Today, we’re supporting Samaritans for #BrewMonday ☕
‘Blue Monday’ might be a myth, but struggling with mental health is very real - and it can happen any day of the year. Today is a good reminder to check in with loved ones, start a conversation, and let people know they’re not alone.
‘Blue Monday’ might be a myth, but struggling with mental health is very real - and it can happen any day of the year. Today is a good reminder to check in with loved ones, start a conversation, and let people know they’re not alone.
Falling NHS waiting times are welcome, but they tell only half the story. Physical health has targets; mental health does not.
Until mental health is treated with the same urgency, true progress remains out of reach.
Until mental health is treated with the same urgency, true progress remains out of reach.
January 16, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Falling NHS waiting times are welcome, but they tell only half the story. Physical health has targets; mental health does not.
Until mental health is treated with the same urgency, true progress remains out of reach.
Until mental health is treated with the same urgency, true progress remains out of reach.
The Health and Social Care Committee report on Community Mental Health Services clearly endorses 5 key issues we raised in our submitted evidence.
The bottom line: we must support the workforce.
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
The bottom line: we must support the workforce.
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
January 13, 2026 at 10:31 AM
The Health and Social Care Committee report on Community Mental Health Services clearly endorses 5 key issues we raised in our submitted evidence.
The bottom line: we must support the workforce.
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
The bottom line: we must support the workforce.
https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/
What’s on your 2026 career development list? Ben’s aiming for Approved Mental Health Professional training.
He's worked with Cheshire West Council specialist mental health team since joining our programme in 2024, and now he’s ready to take the next step.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
He's worked with Cheshire West Council specialist mental health team since joining our programme in 2024, and now he’s ready to take the next step.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
January 7, 2026 at 3:03 PM
What’s on your 2026 career development list? Ben’s aiming for Approved Mental Health Professional training.
He's worked with Cheshire West Council specialist mental health team since joining our programme in 2024, and now he’s ready to take the next step.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
He's worked with Cheshire West Council specialist mental health team since joining our programme in 2024, and now he’s ready to take the next step.
https://thinkahead.org/story/bens-story/
🎅 Happy festive holidays from all at Think Ahead! 🎄
Our offices are closed from today, Wednesday 24th December, reopening Monday 5th January.
We wish all of our trainees, alumni, staff, partners and followers a relaxing festive break!
Our offices are closed from today, Wednesday 24th December, reopening Monday 5th January.
We wish all of our trainees, alumni, staff, partners and followers a relaxing festive break!
December 24, 2025 at 9:02 AM
🎅 Happy festive holidays from all at Think Ahead! 🎄
Our offices are closed from today, Wednesday 24th December, reopening Monday 5th January.
We wish all of our trainees, alumni, staff, partners and followers a relaxing festive break!
Our offices are closed from today, Wednesday 24th December, reopening Monday 5th January.
We wish all of our trainees, alumni, staff, partners and followers a relaxing festive break!
Many people working in the mental health and social care sectors will be continuing to support people in need this Christmas.
So to all those who are working through the festive period, THANK YOU from everyone at Think Ahead - we appreciate you! ❤️
So to all those who are working through the festive period, THANK YOU from everyone at Think Ahead - we appreciate you! ❤️
December 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Many people working in the mental health and social care sectors will be continuing to support people in need this Christmas.
So to all those who are working through the festive period, THANK YOU from everyone at Think Ahead - we appreciate you! ❤️
So to all those who are working through the festive period, THANK YOU from everyone at Think Ahead - we appreciate you! ❤️
Mental health and substance use needs are still treated separately, despite being deeply connected. This leads to fragmented care and poor outcomes. DHSC’s Delivery Framework sets out a vision for joined-up care. We’re launching training to help make it happen. Email training@thinkahead.org
December 18, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Mental health and substance use needs are still treated separately, despite being deeply connected. This leads to fragmented care and poor outcomes. DHSC’s Delivery Framework sets out a vision for joined-up care. We’re launching training to help make it happen. Email training@thinkahead.org
Public debate on mental health “over-diagnosis” has been loud since the government announced its review into service demand.
We support the review – a clear, evidence-based picture of what’s really happening is essential.
But clarity must go hand in hand with action...
We support the review – a clear, evidence-based picture of what’s really happening is essential.
But clarity must go hand in hand with action...
December 17, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Public debate on mental health “over-diagnosis” has been loud since the government announced its review into service demand.
We support the review – a clear, evidence-based picture of what’s really happening is essential.
But clarity must go hand in hand with action...
We support the review – a clear, evidence-based picture of what’s really happening is essential.
But clarity must go hand in hand with action...
Mental health social work is built on respecting people’s rights and understanding their needs.
Social workers are specially trained to interpret the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and Human Rights Act to ensure those rights are protected and personalised support is in place.
Social workers are specially trained to interpret the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and Human Rights Act to ensure those rights are protected and personalised support is in place.
December 15, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Mental health social work is built on respecting people’s rights and understanding their needs.
Social workers are specially trained to interpret the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and Human Rights Act to ensure those rights are protected and personalised support is in place.
Social workers are specially trained to interpret the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and Human Rights Act to ensure those rights are protected and personalised support is in place.
Social factors influence wellbeing:
- Stable employment
- Financial pressures
- Secure housing
- Relationships
- Isolation
- Trauma
So where is the recognition and investment in mental health social workers within NHS workforce planning?
#SocialWorkMatters #MentalHealth #SocialCare
- Stable employment
- Financial pressures
- Secure housing
- Relationships
- Isolation
- Trauma
So where is the recognition and investment in mental health social workers within NHS workforce planning?
#SocialWorkMatters #MentalHealth #SocialCare
December 9, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Social factors influence wellbeing:
- Stable employment
- Financial pressures
- Secure housing
- Relationships
- Isolation
- Trauma
So where is the recognition and investment in mental health social workers within NHS workforce planning?
#SocialWorkMatters #MentalHealth #SocialCare
- Stable employment
- Financial pressures
- Secure housing
- Relationships
- Isolation
- Trauma
So where is the recognition and investment in mental health social workers within NHS workforce planning?
#SocialWorkMatters #MentalHealth #SocialCare
❓What does a mental health social worker do?
We’re breaking down the role so everyone understand the vital role they play in supporting people with mental health needs.
Mental health social workers connect people to other support they might need.
We’re breaking down the role so everyone understand the vital role they play in supporting people with mental health needs.
Mental health social workers connect people to other support they might need.
December 8, 2025 at 10:02 AM
❓What does a mental health social worker do?
We’re breaking down the role so everyone understand the vital role they play in supporting people with mental health needs.
Mental health social workers connect people to other support they might need.
We’re breaking down the role so everyone understand the vital role they play in supporting people with mental health needs.
Mental health social workers connect people to other support they might need.
A clear message from the Health and Social Care Committee. Mental health social workers are essential, and people with SMI should have access to a social worker they can rely on.
December 4, 2025 at 4:46 PM
A clear message from the Health and Social Care Committee. Mental health social workers are essential, and people with SMI should have access to a social worker they can rely on.
The findings from the latest Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey are clear: poverty, debt, and unemployment drive poor mental health.
We can’t improve mental health without addressing the conditions people live in.
This is why #SocialWorkMatters.
We can’t improve mental health without addressing the conditions people live in.
This is why #SocialWorkMatters.
December 2, 2025 at 12:30 PM
The findings from the latest Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey are clear: poverty, debt, and unemployment drive poor mental health.
We can’t improve mental health without addressing the conditions people live in.
This is why #SocialWorkMatters.
We can’t improve mental health without addressing the conditions people live in.
This is why #SocialWorkMatters.
Mental health social work is often misunderstood and overlooked - but it's more valuable now than ever.
Building relationships is a core skill of the role:
• Listening to people and building trust over time
• Advocating to ensure voices are heard
• Working with a person's family and wider network
Building relationships is a core skill of the role:
• Listening to people and building trust over time
• Advocating to ensure voices are heard
• Working with a person's family and wider network
December 1, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Mental health social work is often misunderstood and overlooked - but it's more valuable now than ever.
Building relationships is a core skill of the role:
• Listening to people and building trust over time
• Advocating to ensure voices are heard
• Working with a person's family and wider network
Building relationships is a core skill of the role:
• Listening to people and building trust over time
• Advocating to ensure voices are heard
• Working with a person's family and wider network
Today’s budget makes it clear: mental health is still not being treated with the urgency it deserves.
While we welcome investment in new neighbourhood health centres and measures like raising the minimum wage, the absence of any dedicated plan or funding for mental health is a serious omission.
While we welcome investment in new neighbourhood health centres and measures like raising the minimum wage, the absence of any dedicated plan or funding for mental health is a serious omission.
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Today’s budget makes it clear: mental health is still not being treated with the urgency it deserves.
While we welcome investment in new neighbourhood health centres and measures like raising the minimum wage, the absence of any dedicated plan or funding for mental health is a serious omission.
While we welcome investment in new neighbourhood health centres and measures like raising the minimum wage, the absence of any dedicated plan or funding for mental health is a serious omission.
We are still on a high from our conference with IPS Grow where we heard about the fantastic work happening across the country.
IPS (Individual Placement and Support) is an employment support approach that enables people with mental health needs, who want to work, find a job that's right for them.
IPS (Individual Placement and Support) is an employment support approach that enables people with mental health needs, who want to work, find a job that's right for them.
November 27, 2025 at 10:02 AM
We are still on a high from our conference with IPS Grow where we heard about the fantastic work happening across the country.
IPS (Individual Placement and Support) is an employment support approach that enables people with mental health needs, who want to work, find a job that's right for them.
IPS (Individual Placement and Support) is an employment support approach that enables people with mental health needs, who want to work, find a job that's right for them.
Social isolation can affect anyone, especially people living with mental health needs.
Sarah, our Involvement Lead, shares how important peer support and access to community can be for people living with mental health problems.
Sarah, our Involvement Lead, shares how important peer support and access to community can be for people living with mental health problems.
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Social isolation can affect anyone, especially people living with mental health needs.
Sarah, our Involvement Lead, shares how important peer support and access to community can be for people living with mental health problems.
Sarah, our Involvement Lead, shares how important peer support and access to community can be for people living with mental health problems.
📣We’re hiring!
We are looking for a passionate and experienced social worker to join us as a Practice Specialist, helping to shape the next generation of mental health social workers. https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#SocialWorkJobs #MentalHealth #CharityJobs
We are looking for a passionate and experienced social worker to join us as a Practice Specialist, helping to shape the next generation of mental health social workers. https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#SocialWorkJobs #MentalHealth #CharityJobs
November 19, 2025 at 2:03 PM
📣We’re hiring!
We are looking for a passionate and experienced social worker to join us as a Practice Specialist, helping to shape the next generation of mental health social workers. https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#SocialWorkJobs #MentalHealth #CharityJobs
We are looking for a passionate and experienced social worker to join us as a Practice Specialist, helping to shape the next generation of mental health social workers. https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#SocialWorkJobs #MentalHealth #CharityJobs
NHS figures show one in ten mental health patients wait over 24 hours in A&E – a crisis we cannot accept.
Support must meet people’s needs closer to home, taking into account housing, finances, relationships, and community.
Mental health social workers are a crucial part of making this happen.
Support must meet people’s needs closer to home, taking into account housing, finances, relationships, and community.
Mental health social workers are a crucial part of making this happen.
November 18, 2025 at 10:02 AM
NHS figures show one in ten mental health patients wait over 24 hours in A&E – a crisis we cannot accept.
Support must meet people’s needs closer to home, taking into account housing, finances, relationships, and community.
Mental health social workers are a crucial part of making this happen.
Support must meet people’s needs closer to home, taking into account housing, finances, relationships, and community.
Mental health social workers are a crucial part of making this happen.
📣We’re hiring! Join us as as our new Communications Officer.
If you have a passion for storytelling, digital communications & using your creativity for social impact, we would love to hear from you: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#CharityJobs #CommunicationJobs
If you have a passion for storytelling, digital communications & using your creativity for social impact, we would love to hear from you: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#CharityJobs #CommunicationJobs
November 17, 2025 at 10:02 AM
📣We’re hiring! Join us as as our new Communications Officer.
If you have a passion for storytelling, digital communications & using your creativity for social impact, we would love to hear from you: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#CharityJobs #CommunicationJobs
If you have a passion for storytelling, digital communications & using your creativity for social impact, we would love to hear from you: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
#CharityJobs #CommunicationJobs