Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW) takes steps to develop social work across the Trust.
Three people have recently graduated from a national social work programme and the Trust has welcomed four more onto the second cohort.
The Think Ahead programme works to strengthen the contribution of social work in mental health settings.
Think Ahead works with the NHS and local authorities to widen the pool of talent entering mental health social work and to create a community of advocates for social approaches in both mental health services and across society.
The three graduates have spent a year learning on the job in the Trust’s forensic services and will spend a year working as newly qualified social workers whilst completing assessed employment. At the end of the programme, they receive a Postgraduate Diploma as well as a master’s degree in social work.
The graduates have all secured permanent roles across the Trust.
Following the success of the first cohort, four trainees have joined the next one.
They are on placements which are set to finish in July. Placements are in community treatment teams, homeless and step-up teams. Step-up teams support patients who require specialist services in the community rather than as an inpatient.
Chief executive James Duncan said: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate all of the social workers who are graduating through the Think Ahead Programme and to recognise and welcome the new cohort.
“CNTW now employs nearly 150 social workers, and it’s one of the biggest growing professions in the Trust. The numbers are equivalent to those employed in a medium-sized local authority. As we develop our transformational work across the Trust, this gives us a real opportunity. Our aim is to create true multidisciplinary teams and strong multi professional leadership within and across organisations.
“Social workers bring a professional approach which is strengths-based and grounded in human rights. It understands the social causes of wellbeing and is family oriented. These skills are vital and complement the skills and strengths of other professions across the Trust, our partners, and those with lived and other experience.
“We want to inspire people to consider social work as part of their career aspirations and will continue to do this by highlighting the opportunities available through the fantastic work being led by our social work team. There is much to celebrate and much to work on as we see social work develop as an integral and important part of the Trust.”
Rebecca Coulter, Pathway Manager in the Gateshead West Community Treatment Team, said: “It has been an excellent opportunity to have Think Ahead students in the team. They have been able to experience working with adults with a range of complex mental health problems and have developed their skills in a short space of time.
“We’ve also had a newly qualified social worker from the Think Ahead programme in the team who has been a valuable asset and are looking to develop the link between social care and community treatment.”
Steph Ogilvie added: “As a Clinical Lead within two very busy Community Mental Health teams, having a student like Shanae within our teams has been very valuable. Her work ethic and professionalism stood out from day one. I think this demonstrates how well the Think Ahead course is run. Having a student with that social work perspective has been very significant. We look forward to Shanae returning back to placement with us in the near future.”
Student social worker Amber said: “My first six months on this course have flown over and have brought a rollercoaster of emotions. The opportunity to get a case load and shadow teams that you might be interested in going into are readily available. Grab these opportunities when they come! Be aware that the intensity of the summer institute is no lie, but it really does pay off when you start placement and you get the opportunity to put in practice what you have learnt. I’m looking forward to my next six months, continuing to grow, and seeing what this brings.”
Student social worker Jennifer added: “I have really enjoyed the programme so far. It has been intense and stressful at times; there is a lot of work involved! However, you get so much support from the team at CNTW, as well as Think Ahead. It’s been a good experience and one I’m looking forward to continuing.”
Newly qualified social worker Abbi said: “I would describe my journey with Think Ahead as a rollercoaster! It was a fast-paced year that exceeded my expectations of what can be achieved in this time. A blended approach of in-person, online and placement learning with academic assignments throughout the year. There were various training opportunities to enhance your knowledge, and the chance to discover your social work identity with learning opportunities and reflective spaces.
“Overall, the fast-track approach to a valuable career that can help improve the lives of others.”