Policy to train social workers set to bear fruit
A commitment by Dudley Council to “grow your own” in the field of mental health social care looks set to bear its first fruit this summer.
The local authority partnered with Think Ahead in 2023 to work with graduates and help them gain the qualifications to work as mental health social workers.
As it is Mental Health Awareness Week, the council has confirmed that three employees are expected to be the first to gain qualifications this summer. A further eight are also set to qualify next year.
Councillor Andrea Goddard, cabinet member for adult social care, said:
“There is a shortage of specialist mental health social workers at local, regional and national level.
"This is at a time when their services have never been in more demand, with one in four adults in the UK now experiencing some form of mental ill-health.
“We made a commitment in 2023, working with Think Ahead, to develop a ‘grow your own’ approach to the problem. It has seen us helping graduates to give them all they need to gain the qualifications to work as mental health social care workers for the authority.
“I am delighted to say we are not far away from the first three becoming fully qualified and there are another eight not far behind them.
“It will allow us to help more people suffering with mental ill health in the borough at their time of need.”
Think Ahead is an innovative organisation dedicated to training graduates to become mental health social workers. Established with the goal of addressing the shortage of qualified professionals in the field, Think Ahead offers a unique route for individuals aspiring to make a difference in mental health care.
Sanaa Dinn, Student Social Worker, said:
“The experience within the Adult Social Care Mental Health Team in Dudley for Think Ahead has been better than one can ask for.
“During the time at the placement, the learning opportunities have been endless. It has provided me with ways to grow as a person, build new skills and work with an amazing team.”