SPONSORED EDITORIAL

A mental health charity is looking for graduates who want to make a difference to the lives of people in Kent.

The Think Ahead programme is a paid two-year fast-track scheme, and is one of the UK’s most competitive graduate programmes. It offers graduates and career-changers a direct route into a career as a mental health social worker.

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Mental health social workers work with people with mental ill-health to improve social factors in their lives – including relationships, housing, and employment – to enable them to get well and stay well.

“We’re looking for remarkable individuals, from a range of backgrounds, who are passionate about creating positive change in society and want a career where they can play their part in tackling the UK’s mental health challenge,” said Ivan Wise, Recruitment Director at Think Ahead.

“Mental health social work is a varied and challenging role that involves building relationships with people with mental illnesses, advocating for them and empowering them to make positive changes in their own lives.”

The Think Ahead programme is aimed at candidates with a 2:1 or higher degree in any subject (except social work), and offers on-the-job training to successful applicants.

There are no fees for the programme, which starts in the summer of 2020, and all qualifications are fully funded.

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More than 400 people have joined the programme since it started in 2016 – some recent graduates and others who have been in the workplace for some time.

Previous recruits have held degrees in subjects ranging from psychology, sociology, and politics to archaeology, drama and sports science.

Think Ahead’s selection process is based on how well candidates are able to demonstrate the attributes needed to succeed on the programme and beyond.

That includes a mixture of leadership, motivation, adaptability, relationship-building, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as a good degree of self-awareness.

Think Ahead partners with NHS Trusts and local authorities across England, and there are a limited number of places available in Kent for 2020.

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If you’re eligible you should apply as soon as possible, giving your preferred location, so Think Ahead can try to match you to a partner trust in the county.

If accepted, you’ll embark on a new career where you can make a real difference to the lives of adults with mental health problems.

You’ll receive a tax-free training bursary of between £17,000 and £19,000 in your first 14 months, and then become a newly-qualified salaried social worker, paid by the NHS Trust or local authority employing you. You’ll also gain a fully funded master’s degree.

Successful applicants will start the programme at a residential summer institute in July this year, and join their host organisation full-time in September.