Knowsley Council has joined forces with mental health charity Think Ahead to create opportunities for those interested in a career in mental health social work.
Think Ahead’s paid, two-year programme combines on-the-job learning, a master’s degree, and leadership training for graduates and career-changers looking to make a real difference to people with mental health needs.
The charity helps to train mental health social workers to improve mental health services and mental health outcomes for people. With a focus on personalisation and recovery, those on the programme can support people to make positive, self-directed change.
Social workers are trained to work in partnership with people, their families and carers to create collaborative solutions. They also manage some of the most challenging and complex risks for individuals and society, and take decisions with, and on behalf of, people within complicated legal frameworks, balancing and protecting the rights of everyone involved.
Cllr Del Arnall, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said: “We know the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis have had a significant impact on our mental health, so there has never been a greater need for mental health social workers. That’s why we were keen to support the Think Ahead programme and offer this valuable opportunity to those interested in joining such a worthwhile profession.
“Those joining the scheme as a mental health social worker would support people living with severe and long-lasting mental illnesses, such as severe depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, empowering them to reach their full potential and deal with these all-important life issues.”
The Knowsley programme will offer four training places from summer 2023. Those interested in becoming a mental health social worker and training with Think Ahead, are asked to apply to Think Ahead and state ‘Knowsley’ as their preferred location.
To find out more and apply, visit the Think Ahead website and for more information please contact Think Ahead’ s Recruitment team on hello@thinkahead.org