Think Ahead
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thinkaheadmh.bsky.social
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.

thinkahead.org
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.
November 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
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.
November 27, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Mental health social workers work with people to bring out their strengths, connect with communities and access peer support - all of which can help tackle loneliness.

#MentalHealthSocialWork #SocialWorkMatters
November 24, 2025 at 11:02 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.
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 AM
📣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
November 19, 2025 at 2:03 PM
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.
November 18, 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
November 17, 2025 at 10:02 AM
“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.
November 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
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.
November 6, 2025 at 11:31 AM
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
October 24, 2025 at 2:03 PM
"I hope to continue as a social worker. It is a tough job, but so rewarding, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

https://thinkahead.org/our-training-programme/about-mental-health-social-work/<a href="/hashtag/read-about-different-areas-of-work" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link">#read-about-different-areas-of-work
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.
October 14, 2025 at 10:03 AM
“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
October 9, 2025 at 2:42 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
October 1, 2025 at 1:33 PM
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.”
September 25, 2025 at 9:04 AM
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/
September 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Difficult social situations can contribute to mental health ill health, but improving the social factors in someone’s life can be transformational.

Mental health social workers empower people to manage the social factors in their lives, providing life-changing support.

#SocialWorkMatters
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
September 16, 2025 at 10:03 AM
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.
September 12, 2025 at 1:22 PM
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.
September 10, 2025 at 9:02 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
September 9, 2025 at 10:12 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.
September 8, 2025 at 10:02 AM
To meet today’s mental health challenges, the contribution of social workers must be recognised, properly resourced & expanded: https://thinkahead.org/news-item/why-social-workers-are-vital-for-mental-health-services/

#SocialWorkMatters #SocialWork
September 1, 2025 at 9:04 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.
September 1, 2025 at 9:03 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.
August 29, 2025 at 10:02 AM