A charity commissioned by the government to train mental health specialist social workers has announced it is to close next year with the loss of 40 jobs after its funding was cut.

Think Ahead had been reliant on Department for Health and Social Care funding of £9m a year.

But ministers announced last year this will be coming to an end and this week the charity has confirmed that without this money “we are unable to continue delivering our specialist training programme”.

In a statement it said it is to close in August 2027, when its final cohort of social workers completes their two-year programme.

Since it launched a decade ago it has recruited and trained more than 1,000 specialist social workers.

“We're proud of everything we've built with our lived experience partners, NHS trust and local authority partners, academic partners and of course our trainees,” it said.

“Between now and August, we're focused on delivering for our current cohort and ensuring that what we've learned isn't lost. Our charity is closing, but its impact continues.”

“Our social workers are in mental health teams across England, supporting people with severe mental health needs every day, and that is the legacy we are most proud of.”

Its executive director Roxanne Timmis added: “We're proud of everything we've achieved and grateful to everyone who supported us. What we've built together will continue to matter long after we close.”

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