👋 Meet Racheal, one of our current trainees.  She has a background in support work, employment services and university mental health practice. Racheal has seen what happens when the right support isn't there for people and is hoping to change how mental health is understood and responded to.

June is #PrideMonth. At Think Ahead, we stand with LGBTQ+ communities and champion inclusive mental health for all.

Happy Vaisakhi to all who are celebrating in our community. #Vaisakhi #Vaisakhi2026

Mental health social workers help people navigate the practical challenges that can impact their well-being, such as employment issues, unstable housing, or strained relationships. That’s why we’re calling on the government to include them in the upcoming NHS workforce plan.

Happy Easter to all who are celebrating from the team at Think Ahead! 🐣 Our office is closed for the long weekend, reopening on Tuesday 7th April.

Eid Mubarak, to all who are celebrating today. 🌙 #EidAlFitr #EidMubarak2024

It’s World Social Work Day 💙 Celebrating a profession built on dignity, respect and standing with people through challenge and change. Thank you to every social worker making a difference. #WorldSocialWorkDay #WSWD2026

It’s #SocialWorkWeek2026! This week brings the social work community together to connect, learn, and help shape the profession. Which will you be attending? https://www.socialworkengland.org.uk/social-work-week/social-work-week-2026-programme/

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📣 Next week is #SocialWorkWeek2026! Don’t forget check out the free online events programme from Social Work England🗓️ Go to https://www.socialworkengland.org.uk/social-work-week/social-work-week-2026-programme/ to see what’s on and book your place. #SocialWorkWeek #SWW2026 #SocialWork

It’s #InternationalWomensDay 💜 Give To Gain reminds us that when women thrive, everyone benefits. Today we’re celebrating mental health social workers who create safety, connection and opportunity every day. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #GiveToGain

Wishing all of our Hindu friends, followers, trainees and social workers a Happy Holi. 💜💙💚💛🧡❤️ #HoliFestival #HappyHoli

Mental health social workers should be formally included in the 10-Year Workforce Plan, and everyone with severe mental illness should have access to one. Read our full recommendations: https://thinkahead.org/news-item/five-priorities-for-fixing-community-mental-health-services/

We’re delighted to share that Michela, one of our Think Ahead participants, was awarded the Silver Award for Newly Qualified Social Worker at the 2025 Social Worker of the Year Awards🌟 We’re incredibly proud of Michela and the impact she continues to make in mental health social work!

Today is #TimeToTalkDay. 💬 A simple conversation can make a big difference. Talking about mental heath helps to reduce stigma and build understanding. Let’s keep the conversation going 💙

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/

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.

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

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/

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

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.

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.

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/

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/

🎅 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!

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! ❤️

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...

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 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