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.
“I want to really build on the skills that I’ve developed so far and use them to empower me to be able to make that difference in people’s lives.”
Ben was previously working as a support worker and has joined our programme this year to retrain as a mental health social worker.
Ben was previously working as a support worker and has joined our programme this year to retrain as a mental health social worker.
November 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
“I want to really build on the skills that I’ve developed so far and use them to empower me to be able to make that difference in people’s lives.”
Ben was previously working as a support worker and has joined our programme this year to retrain as a mental health social worker.
Ben was previously working as a support worker and has joined our programme this year to retrain as a mental health social worker.
The support of a mental health social worker can be transformational in a person’s recovery.
They help people navigate the complexities of the health and social scare system and provide that consistent care and understanding that is so crucial to someone feeling understood and seen.
They help people navigate the complexities of the health and social scare system and provide that consistent care and understanding that is so crucial to someone feeling understood and seen.
November 6, 2025 at 11:31 AM
The support of a mental health social worker can be transformational in a person’s recovery.
They help people navigate the complexities of the health and social scare system and provide that consistent care and understanding that is so crucial to someone feeling understood and seen.
They help people navigate the complexities of the health and social scare system and provide that consistent care and understanding that is so crucial to someone feeling understood and seen.
The difference mental health social workers can make is transformational.
For Harris, support of his social worker helped him to manage his severe anxiety depression.
Everyone struggling with their mental health deserves the support that Harris got, to get well and stay well.
#SocialWorkMatters
For Harris, support of his social worker helped him to manage his severe anxiety depression.
Everyone struggling with their mental health deserves the support that Harris got, to get well and stay well.
#SocialWorkMatters
October 24, 2025 at 2:03 PM
The difference mental health social workers can make is transformational.
For Harris, support of his social worker helped him to manage his severe anxiety depression.
Everyone struggling with their mental health deserves the support that Harris got, to get well and stay well.
#SocialWorkMatters
For Harris, support of his social worker helped him to manage his severe anxiety depression.
Everyone struggling with their mental health deserves the support that Harris got, to get well and stay well.
#SocialWorkMatters
The latest Skills for Care report shows some positive steps in adult social care, including falling vacancy rates.
But real and persistent challenges remain in building a workforce that is supported, developed, and recognised for the value it brings.
But real and persistent challenges remain in building a workforce that is supported, developed, and recognised for the value it brings.
🔍 Out now! The state of the adult social care sector & workforce in England report 2025💡The total number of posts in adult social care has increased by 2.2% on the previous year, while the economic contribution of social care has increased by 14.2% reaching £77.8billion 🔗 https://bit.ly/43aCW82
October 16, 2025 at 1:36 PM
The latest Skills for Care report shows some positive steps in adult social care, including falling vacancy rates.
But real and persistent challenges remain in building a workforce that is supported, developed, and recognised for the value it brings.
But real and persistent challenges remain in building a workforce that is supported, developed, and recognised for the value it brings.
🗣️“Social work is a job that sometimes has negative connotations but also lots of people don’t know what we do.”
Harry trained with us as a mental health social worker in 2021 and shares his experiences working in an older adults team in Durham.
Harry trained with us as a mental health social worker in 2021 and shares his experiences working in an older adults team in Durham.
October 14, 2025 at 10:03 AM
🗣️“Social work is a job that sometimes has negative connotations but also lots of people don’t know what we do.”
Harry trained with us as a mental health social worker in 2021 and shares his experiences working in an older adults team in Durham.
Harry trained with us as a mental health social worker in 2021 and shares his experiences working in an older adults team in Durham.
“Mental health is not getting the focus it desperately needs.”
That’s one of the key reflections our Head of Communications and Public Affairs Katie had after this year’s Labour Party conference.
#LabourConference #MentalHealth
That’s one of the key reflections our Head of Communications and Public Affairs Katie had after this year’s Labour Party conference.
#LabourConference #MentalHealth
October 9, 2025 at 2:42 PM
“Mental health is not getting the focus it desperately needs.”
That’s one of the key reflections our Head of Communications and Public Affairs Katie had after this year’s Labour Party conference.
#LabourConference #MentalHealth
That’s one of the key reflections our Head of Communications and Public Affairs Katie had after this year’s Labour Party conference.
#LabourConference #MentalHealth
🚨74% of people living with mental illness are not getting the right treatment at the right time.
We know the mental health workforce are already being pushed to their limits. But with 1.8 million people on NHS #MentalHealth waiting lists, the government must act now.
We know the mental health workforce are already being pushed to their limits. But with 1.8 million people on NHS #MentalHealth waiting lists, the government must act now.
Our new report, Right Treatment, Right Time 2025, shows the devastating impact that waiting times have on people living with mental illness.
Things can’t go on like this. We must cut mental health waiting times.
Read the report 👉 www.rethink.org/RTRT2025
Things can’t go on like this. We must cut mental health waiting times.
Read the report 👉 www.rethink.org/RTRT2025
October 8, 2025 at 3:30 PM
🚨74% of people living with mental illness are not getting the right treatment at the right time.
We know the mental health workforce are already being pushed to their limits. But with 1.8 million people on NHS #MentalHealth waiting lists, the government must act now.
We know the mental health workforce are already being pushed to their limits. But with 1.8 million people on NHS #MentalHealth waiting lists, the government must act now.
The Fair Pay Agreement is a long-overdue recognition that #SocialCare is skilled, essential work that deserves better pay & conditions.
The £500m commitment is a start but we need sustained workforce investment to:
✅improve conditions
✅tackle staff shortages
✅support longer-term reform
The £500m commitment is a start but we need sustained workforce investment to:
✅improve conditions
✅tackle staff shortages
✅support longer-term reform
October 1, 2025 at 1:33 PM
The Fair Pay Agreement is a long-overdue recognition that #SocialCare is skilled, essential work that deserves better pay & conditions.
The £500m commitment is a start but we need sustained workforce investment to:
✅improve conditions
✅tackle staff shortages
✅support longer-term reform
The £500m commitment is a start but we need sustained workforce investment to:
✅improve conditions
✅tackle staff shortages
✅support longer-term reform
Giles shares his motivations for training with us as a mental health social worker:
“I think it comes from a place of always wanting to work with people directly, having valued that in my previous roles in the charity sector.
I want to help people get the best out of everything on offer.”
“I think it comes from a place of always wanting to work with people directly, having valued that in my previous roles in the charity sector.
I want to help people get the best out of everything on offer.”
September 25, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Giles shares his motivations for training with us as a mental health social worker:
“I think it comes from a place of always wanting to work with people directly, having valued that in my previous roles in the charity sector.
I want to help people get the best out of everything on offer.”
“I think it comes from a place of always wanting to work with people directly, having valued that in my previous roles in the charity sector.
I want to help people get the best out of everything on offer.”
There are endless misunderstandings about the role of a mental health #SocialWorker.
We love this Community Care article exploring the value of the role: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/27/from-pet-sitter-to-domestic-abuse-advocate-the-unseen-life-of-a-mental-health-social-worker/
We love this Community Care article exploring the value of the role: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/27/from-pet-sitter-to-domestic-abuse-advocate-the-unseen-life-of-a-mental-health-social-worker/
September 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM
There are endless misunderstandings about the role of a mental health #SocialWorker.
We love this Community Care article exploring the value of the role: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/27/from-pet-sitter-to-domestic-abuse-advocate-the-unseen-life-of-a-mental-health-social-worker/
We love this Community Care article exploring the value of the role: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/08/27/from-pet-sitter-to-domestic-abuse-advocate-the-unseen-life-of-a-mental-health-social-worker/
Social workers can support with the things that matter most to us all. Housing. Family. Employment. Community.
When someone is experiencing #MentalHealth problems, they may need support in all areas of their life.
#SocialWork #MentalHealthSocialWork
When someone is experiencing #MentalHealth problems, they may need support in all areas of their life.
#SocialWork #MentalHealthSocialWork
September 16, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Social workers can support with the things that matter most to us all. Housing. Family. Employment. Community.
When someone is experiencing #MentalHealth problems, they may need support in all areas of their life.
#SocialWork #MentalHealthSocialWork
When someone is experiencing #MentalHealth problems, they may need support in all areas of their life.
#SocialWork #MentalHealthSocialWork
Mental health social workers must be properly recognised as part of the NHS workforce.
We were so pleased to hear Andrew George MP raise the vital question of whether social workers will be included in the next NHS workforce plan at this week’s Health and Social Care Select Committee session.
We were so pleased to hear Andrew George MP raise the vital question of whether social workers will be included in the next NHS workforce plan at this week’s Health and Social Care Select Committee session.
September 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Mental health social workers must be properly recognised as part of the NHS workforce.
We were so pleased to hear Andrew George MP raise the vital question of whether social workers will be included in the next NHS workforce plan at this week’s Health and Social Care Select Committee session.
We were so pleased to hear Andrew George MP raise the vital question of whether social workers will be included in the next NHS workforce plan at this week’s Health and Social Care Select Committee session.
Starting a conversation about suicide can save someone’s life.
This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay we’re sharing this important message from Samaritans.
Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal - you don’t have to be an expert.
This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay we’re sharing this important message from Samaritans.
Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal - you don’t have to be an expert.
September 10, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Starting a conversation about suicide can save someone’s life.
This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay we’re sharing this important message from Samaritans.
Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal - you don’t have to be an expert.
This #WorldSuicidePreventionDay we’re sharing this important message from Samaritans.
Small interruptions you make and actions you take could help someone who is suicidal - you don’t have to be an expert.
📣 We’re #Hiring! Join our mental health charity as our new Business Development Manager.
If you have a passion for driving new business growth and supporting new projects, apply now: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
Closing: 5pm, Tuesday 16 September
#CharityJobs
If you have a passion for driving new business growth and supporting new projects, apply now: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
Closing: 5pm, Tuesday 16 September
#CharityJobs
September 9, 2025 at 10:12 AM
📣 We’re #Hiring! Join our mental health charity as our new Business Development Manager.
If you have a passion for driving new business growth and supporting new projects, apply now: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
Closing: 5pm, Tuesday 16 September
#CharityJobs
If you have a passion for driving new business growth and supporting new projects, apply now: https://thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportunities-at-head-office/
Closing: 5pm, Tuesday 16 September
#CharityJobs
Good community mental health support can be life-changing for people with mental health needs.
Saffron, one of our lived experience partners, shares:
🗣️ “The best community mental health support I’ve experienced has been person-centered, trauma-informed & flexible.
Saffron, one of our lived experience partners, shares:
🗣️ “The best community mental health support I’ve experienced has been person-centered, trauma-informed & flexible.
September 8, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Good community mental health support can be life-changing for people with mental health needs.
Saffron, one of our lived experience partners, shares:
🗣️ “The best community mental health support I’ve experienced has been person-centered, trauma-informed & flexible.
Saffron, one of our lived experience partners, shares:
🗣️ “The best community mental health support I’ve experienced has been person-centered, trauma-informed & flexible.
Social workers are vital for mental health services. They bring professional expertise, compassion & a commitment to social justice.
Lyn Romeo, former Chief Social Worker for Adults & one of our trustees, advocated for the role of social workers at @basw-uk.bsky.social conference this summer.
Lyn Romeo, former Chief Social Worker for Adults & one of our trustees, advocated for the role of social workers at @basw-uk.bsky.social conference this summer.
September 1, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Social workers are vital for mental health services. They bring professional expertise, compassion & a commitment to social justice.
Lyn Romeo, former Chief Social Worker for Adults & one of our trustees, advocated for the role of social workers at @basw-uk.bsky.social conference this summer.
Lyn Romeo, former Chief Social Worker for Adults & one of our trustees, advocated for the role of social workers at @basw-uk.bsky.social conference this summer.
🗣️“I've always been interested in social justice and I think mental health is a really big issue in today's society.”
Lewis, one of our 2025 trainees, shared with us his motivations for wanting to work in mental health and train as a social worker.
Lewis, one of our 2025 trainees, shared with us his motivations for wanting to work in mental health and train as a social worker.
August 29, 2025 at 10:02 AM
🗣️“I've always been interested in social justice and I think mental health is a really big issue in today's society.”
Lewis, one of our 2025 trainees, shared with us his motivations for wanting to work in mental health and train as a social worker.
Lewis, one of our 2025 trainees, shared with us his motivations for wanting to work in mental health and train as a social worker.
Misunderstood, undervalued, overlooked: social workers only make up around 2% of the mental health workforce.
🚨We’re calling on the government to recognise the value of social workers and include them in its upcoming NHS Workforce Plan.
🚨We’re calling on the government to recognise the value of social workers and include them in its upcoming NHS Workforce Plan.
August 26, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Misunderstood, undervalued, overlooked: social workers only make up around 2% of the mental health workforce.
🚨We’re calling on the government to recognise the value of social workers and include them in its upcoming NHS Workforce Plan.
🚨We’re calling on the government to recognise the value of social workers and include them in its upcoming NHS Workforce Plan.
🚨 There are only enough mental health social workers in the NHS to support 1 in 8 people who have severe mental illness.
Mental health social workers are vital professionals who can make such a difference to people’s life - but we need more of them.
#SocialWorkMatters
Mental health social workers are vital professionals who can make such a difference to people’s life - but we need more of them.
#SocialWorkMatters
August 19, 2025 at 8:03 AM
🚨 There are only enough mental health social workers in the NHS to support 1 in 8 people who have severe mental illness.
Mental health social workers are vital professionals who can make such a difference to people’s life - but we need more of them.
#SocialWorkMatters
Mental health social workers are vital professionals who can make such a difference to people’s life - but we need more of them.
#SocialWorkMatters
📢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.
August 12, 2025 at 9:02 AM
📢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.
“I learned so much & met so many wonderful people. The future of social work is very bright.”
Those are the words of one of our trainees after the Summer Institute.
Congratulations to the 2025 cohort for completing five weeks intensive training as they begin their social work journey.
Those are the words of one of our trainees after the Summer Institute.
Congratulations to the 2025 cohort for completing five weeks intensive training as they begin their social work journey.
August 9, 2025 at 9:02 AM
“I learned so much & met so many wonderful people. The future of social work is very bright.”
Those are the words of one of our trainees after the Summer Institute.
Congratulations to the 2025 cohort for completing five weeks intensive training as they begin their social work journey.
Those are the words of one of our trainees after the Summer Institute.
Congratulations to the 2025 cohort for completing five weeks intensive training as they begin their social work journey.
Last week our social work trainees heard from Marie, who has lived experience of mental health needs and has worked with a Think Ahead social worker.
“Alex didn't support me. She was led by me. She advocated for me and we worked together to find solutions to problems in a way that worked for me.
“Alex didn't support me. She was led by me. She advocated for me and we worked together to find solutions to problems in a way that worked for me.
August 7, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Last week our social work trainees heard from Marie, who has lived experience of mental health needs and has worked with a Think Ahead social worker.
“Alex didn't support me. She was led by me. She advocated for me and we worked together to find solutions to problems in a way that worked for me.
“Alex didn't support me. She was led by me. She advocated for me and we worked together to find solutions to problems in a way that worked for me.
🚨 “Our nation’s mental health is at crisis point - and social workers are a vital part of the solution.”
Lyn Romeo CBE, our trustee & former Chief Social Worker for Adults, chaired a @basw-uk.bsky.social conference session on how mental health social workers are essential in mental health services.
Lyn Romeo CBE, our trustee & former Chief Social Worker for Adults, chaired a @basw-uk.bsky.social conference session on how mental health social workers are essential in mental health services.
August 5, 2025 at 9:02 AM
🚨 “Our nation’s mental health is at crisis point - and social workers are a vital part of the solution.”
Lyn Romeo CBE, our trustee & former Chief Social Worker for Adults, chaired a @basw-uk.bsky.social conference session on how mental health social workers are essential in mental health services.
Lyn Romeo CBE, our trustee & former Chief Social Worker for Adults, chaired a @basw-uk.bsky.social conference session on how mental health social workers are essential in mental health services.
Summer Institute Roundup: Week 4 of 5! ✅
Our trainees are now four weeks into their journey training as mental health social workers.
This week they learnt about mental health diagnosis and treatment and social work theories and tools.
🗣️ Plus they heard from lived experience speaker Marie.
Our trainees are now four weeks into their journey training as mental health social workers.
This week they learnt about mental health diagnosis and treatment and social work theories and tools.
🗣️ Plus they heard from lived experience speaker Marie.
August 2, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Summer Institute Roundup: Week 4 of 5! ✅
Our trainees are now four weeks into their journey training as mental health social workers.
This week they learnt about mental health diagnosis and treatment and social work theories and tools.
🗣️ Plus they heard from lived experience speaker Marie.
Our trainees are now four weeks into their journey training as mental health social workers.
This week they learnt about mental health diagnosis and treatment and social work theories and tools.
🗣️ Plus they heard from lived experience speaker Marie.
Elizabeth’s mental health social worker provided her with lifechanging support - but not everyone with mental health needs is as fortunate.
Social workers like Elizabeth’s can be a crucial advocate for people, supporting with social issues like housing, relationships and employment.
Social workers like Elizabeth’s can be a crucial advocate for people, supporting with social issues like housing, relationships and employment.
July 29, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Elizabeth’s mental health social worker provided her with lifechanging support - but not everyone with mental health needs is as fortunate.
Social workers like Elizabeth’s can be a crucial advocate for people, supporting with social issues like housing, relationships and employment.
Social workers like Elizabeth’s can be a crucial advocate for people, supporting with social issues like housing, relationships and employment.