You could take a college course, which may help you when looking for work.
Courses include:
- care
- health and social care
- T Level in Health
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
A Support Worker specialising in mental health helps people who are experiencing mental health issues to live as independently as possible. This role involves working closely with individuals in various settings including hospitals, residential homes, and the community. Support workers assist with daily living activities, provide emotional support, and help clients access other health and social care services. They may also support clients with social activities, developing life skills, and managing medication. The work can be challenging but is also highly rewarding, as you have a direct positive impact on people's lives and wellbeing.
The average salary for a mental health support worker in the UK ranges from £19,000 to £25,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There were over 100,000 mental health support worker positions advertised in the UK throughout 2023, reflecting high demand in both the NHS and private sector.
Most mental health support workers work between 37.5 and 40 hours per week, often including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Work alongside people experiencing mental health challenges, using your own lived experience to offer practical and emotional support.
Help individuals with mental health conditions develop skills and confidence to live independently, focusing on their recovery journey.
Support people dealing with both mental health challenges and substance misuse, helping them access treatment and maintain wellbeing.
Obtain at least 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and Maths.
Most employers require GCSEs as a minimum entry requirement. Focus on English and Maths, as these subjects are essential for communication and understanding basic procedures in the workplace. Science or Health and Social Care can also be helpful.
Take a relevant college course such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Courses in Health and Social Care will introduce you to the fundamentals of working in care settings, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and understanding mental health. Some courses include work placements, which give you valuable practical experience.
Work on communication, empathy, patience, and resilience.
Personal qualities are vital in this field. Try volunteering, working part time in care, or participating in activities that develop your communication and teamwork skills. This will also boost your CV and confidence.
Volunteer with mental health charities, helplines, or community groups.
Volunteering provides insight into the field, helps you build networks, and gives you real experience to discuss in job interviews. Charities like Mind or Rethink Mental Illness often offer volunteering roles.
Look for jobs such as Care Assistant or Support Worker (trainee) to gain direct experience.
Many employers offer on-the-job training, and experience in any care role is highly valued. Entry-level positions can often lead to more specialised mental health support roles over time.
Undertake specialist mental health training, such as Mental Health First Aid or NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
Specialist training shows your commitment to the sector and builds up your expertise. Many employers provide opportunities for continuing professional development, and further qualifications can help you progress to senior roles.
Consider roles such as Senior Support Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, or study for a nursing degree.
With experience, you can move into more senior positions or specialise further. You may also choose to undertake a degree in mental health nursing or social work for additional career options.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Support Worker (Mental Health). Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Support Worker (Mental Health) primarily provides care and support to individuals with mental health issues, similar to a Care Worker who offers assistance and daily support to vulnerable people. Both roles focus on fostering well-being, enabling independence, and delivering personalised care in community or residential settings.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a college course, which may help you when looking for work.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a care organisation or the NHS.
Apprenticeship options include:
These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine workplace training with study in the classroom.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
You can volunteer with an organisation that supports vulnerable people, like a care home, charity, hospital or hospice. This can help you when applying for paid work.
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
You can apply for care worker jobs directly. If you get the role, you'll be given on-the-job training by your employer.
It's important to be kind, caring and have a respectful attitude towards people who need care and support.
Some employers might want you to have GCSEs in English and maths at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. However, many will offer training to applicants who have the right personal qualities.
Time spent caring for someone you know also counts as having experience in a caring role.
You can find out more about careers in care from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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