Think Ahead - become a mental health social worker in County Durham

Get paid to train as a mental health social worker, earn a master's degree, and start a career that changes lives.

Think Ahead's paid, two-year programme combines on-the-job learning and a master's degree to train mental health social workers across the country. You can earn as you learn, with dedicated support from experienced social workers, academic tutors, and start a secure career that really makes a difference.

As a mental health social worker, you would support people in your community living with significant mental health needs, using a social approach to help them with important aspects in their lives such as relationships, housing, and employment.

What's on offer

You will receive:

training on the job, working alongside social work and mental health professionals
two fully funded qualifications: qualify as a social worker and earn a master's degree from Middlesex University
a tax-free bursary of £18,250 for the first 14 months

The programme requirements

You will need to:

hold or be predicted an undergraduate degree certificate at minimum 2:2 with honours in a subject other than social work
have the right to remain and work in the UK (including access to public funds) for the entire duration of the programme
hold at least a grade C GCSE in Maths (or equivalent Level 2 qualification)
hold at least a grade C GCSE in English or English Language (not English Literature, or equivalent Level 2 qualification)
have a valid UK driving licence and have access to a car

When opportunities become available, we will list the details here and on the Think Ahead website.

Meet Kim

Meet Kim who is a social worker and recently qualified as an approved mental health professional.

Kim is a Social Worker in the 14 to 25 Navigation Team and has recently qualified as an Approved Mental Health Professional too.

Why did you choose a career in Mental Health Social Work?

Social Work was not initially on my radar. I studied Languages at Durham University and thought I would go on to become a teacher. After graduating I went travelling and I met lots of different people in the charity sector. During my travels I learned more about social justice and that became a keen interest. When I returned from travelling I met with a Careers Advisor who told me about a programme called Think Ahead - and I soon realised that the programme aligned more to my values and interests.

I joined the Think Ahead programme, and it is the best thing I ever did!

What are your experiences of the Think Ahead programme in Durham?

The programme is intense but you get a lot of rewards.

Working with Durham has been great. I have had countless opportunities that has supported my development, working across lots of different teams, including Health teams.

To be fast tracked into this career and know that I had a job at the end of my training, was hugely important to me.