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Most people know someone who's had mental health problems. But not everyone knows someone who can make a difference. The Think Ahead programme is a new route into social work, for graduates and career-changers remarkable enough to make a real difference to people with mental health problems.

At Think Ahead, we want to see a society where everyone with mental health problems can flourish. That won’t happen unless people can improve their social circumstances – because life issues like relationships, living arrangements, and employment have profound effects on mental wellbeing.

The role

Our two-year graduate programme combines on-the-job learning, a master’s degree, and leadership training, all of which help our participants to become great social workers, strengthen mental health services, and spread social approaches to mental health across society.

On Think Ahead’s paid two-year programme, you will:

  • Take on a challenging and varied role, with responsibility from day one.
  • Be paid to spend two years training on-the-job and working in a community mental health team, alongside clinical professionals.
  • Make a significant difference to the lives of people with mental illness.
  • Gain two qualifications, qualifying as a social worker and gaining a master’s degree.
  • Start a fast-track career with leadership training and transferable skills.

Think Ahead is a highly selective programme. While you need no prior experience of social work to apply, our criteria states that you must:

  • Hold or achieve at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in a subject other than social work
  • Show a passion for improving the lives of people with mental illness.
  • Demonstrate key attributes including resilience, empathy, and communication skills.