iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

👋 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.

Smiling woman wearing a bright cardigan, white top and pair of jeans. A quote overlays the image saying: "My biggest motivator for becoming a mental health social worker is re-enablement and recovery - supporting people to engage in a meaningful life, not just to live, but to thrive."

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

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: thinkahead.org/news-item/five-prior…

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

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!

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

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 💙

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

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. thinkahead.org/publication/submissi…

Nearly half of those struggling with problem debt live with a mental health issue. We must embed a social approach into clinical social care interventions.

Read our recommendations for the Casey Commission - Independent Commission on Adult Social Care.

Think Ahead

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

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 thinkahead.org/publication/submissi… #AdultSocialCare

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

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. thinkahead.org/story/bens-story

Cut out photo of Ben, a mental health social worker with Think Ahead, and his quote:

"We work closely with the NHS Community Mental Health Team, with the shared goal of making a positive difference to people's lives."

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

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: thinkahead.org/news-item/five-prior… #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.

"The 10 Year Workforce Plan must deliver for the mental health workforce and we recommend every person with a severe mental illness have access to a named mental health social worker."
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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

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. thinkahead.org/news-item/five-prior…

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

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. thinkahead.org/story/bens-story

Photo of Ben, a mental health social worker, smiling. He has long, light brown hair and a beard, wearing a white dotted shirt. Next to his image, is his quote:

"I love the unpredictability of mental health social work. It's fulfilling in a completely different way than I expected."

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

🎅 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!

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

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! ❤️

Photo of a mental health worker and her client sitting on a sofa. She is comforting the woman by holding her hand and placing her other hand on her shoulder.
Text reads:
"Thank you! to all mental health and social care teams working over Christmas."

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

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...

"The review will examine trends across mental health, ADHD and autism diagnostic thresholds and variations in clinical practice; social, economic and cultural drivers of rising demand, impacts on employment, education and the NHS, and options for earlier intervention and system reform. Guided by evidence rather than conjecture, we should be confident that this review will provide clarity and, crucially, help ensure people get the right support at the right time."

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

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.

Mental health social workers stand up for people's rights and ensure their safety

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

We need to take a holistic, whole-person approach to mental health care. Coordinated action across NHS and local authority teams in health, social care, housing, education and employment. Helping people stay well within their communities, reducing the need for emergency or hospital-based care.

"Improving mental health outcomes requires scoordinated action across health, social care, housing, education and employment, not treating each issue in isolation.

We need the whole-person, systems-aware approach of mental health social work."

Florence Makin
External Affairs Officer, Think Ahead

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

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

Mental health social work is the missing part of the NHS workforce puzzle. We need more mental health social workers. #SocialWorkMatters

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

They might: • Work with other mental health professionals such as nurses, psychologists, or psychiatrists. • Connect people with support from services such as supported housing and drug and alcohol services. All of this ensures that the right support is in place for someone at the right time.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

❓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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

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.

Graphic shows seven people icons with one person highlighted in a different colour, and text that reads:

1 in 7 adults with severe mental health symptoms requested treatment in the past year which they did not get.

(Source: Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey)

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

Getting into work isn’t right for everyone experiencing severe mental health problems, but for those who want to work – and who crucially, are able to get the right support – finding meaningful employment can be transformational. #EmploymentForHealth

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

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

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

📣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. thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportuni… #SocialWorkJobs #MentalHealth #CharityJobs

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

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.

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

📣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: thinkahead.org/workwithus/opportuni… #CharityJobs #CommunicationJobs

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Think Ahead @thinkaheadmh.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

“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.

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