South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) will be partnering with charity Think Ahead to provide on-the-job training for highly talented graduates to become mental health social workers.

SWLSTG is one of 16 mental health services that have been selected to pioneer a new approach to improve support for people with mental illness. Over 23 graduates applied for each place on the programme, which is supported by £12m from the Department of Health.

David Bradley, Chief Executive at South West London and St. George's Mental Health NHS Trust, said: "We are proud to be chosen as one of the partners for Think Ahead's graduate scheme. SWLSTG is committed to working on the social aspects of mental health and this scheme will enable more people with mental health problems to lead fulfilling lives by improving their social circumstances."