£27 million to help with mental health support

The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that £27 million of government funding will be awarded to Think Ahead to expand their mental health social work graduate programme.

The investment means that more than 10,000 people living with serious mental illness will receive support from 480 new mental health social workers. The funding will help recruit and train a new wave of mental health social workers, who will form a vital part of the response to coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health – and recent research suggests that those with pre-existing mental health conditions are at greater risk of significant, long-term negative effects.

The funding will give the most vulnerable the support they need by expanding the Think Ahead programme by 60 per cent – from 100 trainees each year to 160 – training up to 480 new mental health social workers across England over the next three years.

Nadine Dorries, Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, said: “The impact of the pandemic on those with pre-existing mental health conditions could be significant and long lasting. The NHS, local services and charities have done an excellent job in being there to support those who have needed help throughout the pandemic, but it is vital that we ensure our services are fit to meet ongoing demand. By expanding the mental health workforce this new funding will boost support for the most vulnerable at a time when they need it most.”

Ella Joseph, chief executive of Think Ahead, said: “We are delighted to be able to train hundreds more social workers, who will play a key part in the nation’s mental health recovery from coronavirus. The pandemic has shown us more than ever that social factors like isolation, relationships, finances and living arrangements have profound impacts on mental health – social workers are uniquely placed to help people with severe mental health problems to address issues like these.”