THE LITTLE BLUE BOOK of Workplace Mental Health is to raise awareness of workplace mental health, of the dangers of work stress to health and wellbeing, and the obligations of employers to take appropriate steps to minimise this risk.

This report on Australia is the ninth and last in a series of reports looking at how the broader education, health, social and labour market policy challenges identified in Sick on the Job? Myths and Realities about Mental Health and Work (OECD, 2012) are being tackled in a number of OECD countries.

This book is a landmark on the journey of peer work in the mental health sector in Australia. It is the first of its kind in Australia: a co-produced book on peer work. It is arguably the first of its kind in the world. This book fulfils the need for a deeper understanding of peer work. The growth of the peer workforce, along with the development of new areas of engage-ment such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme and expansion of the evidence base supporting peer work, highlighted the need for documenting the progress, achievements and future outlook of peer work in the mental health sector in Australia. The publication of this book is both timely and courageous. Timely, because the mental health sector in Australia is currently engaged in the activities and stresses of mental healthcare reform. The growth and maturity of peer work is at a point where its further development and policy structures are intersecting with broader disability sector reforms, leading to new understandings and acknowledgement of the value of quality peer worker. Courageous, because it sets out to produce a quality and substantial book on peer work in Australia, without anything other than enthusiasm and commitment to fulfil a desperate need for such a resource. Also courageous is the reiteration of the fact that there is now good evidence that peer work is an effective and high-quality intervention, and that mental health services require new approaches, such as peer work, in order to deliver effective services. A coalition was formed between Janet Meagher, Mind Australia and Flourish Australia. (Mind Australia and Flourish Australia are leading specialist mental health service providers in Australia.) Both organisations were deeply committed to the production and bore production costs equally. The publication did not receive any external funding. The editorial working group included of representatives from both organisa-tions. It consisted of: Janet Meagher, Tim Fong (Flourish Australia), Fay Jackson (Flourish Australia), Erandathie Jayakody (Mind Australia) and Anthony Stratford (Mind Australia), and was supported by Kim Jones with admini-stra-tive assistance. A commitment to co-production of the book was established from the outset. This is reflected in the membership of the editorial working group and the contributing authors. (Three of the editorial working group members are peer workers, as are twenty-seven of the authors.) Key individuals and organisations were invited to write an original paper for the book. Authors are predominantly experts by experience. They have lived through and thrived (not just survived) in the experience of recovery from mental health challenges; they are recognised for using the insights and expertise from their personal expertise to inform their work and are known for doing so in paid professional roles. They have documented their work and experience in the paid lived experience workforce and research with eloquence, courage and professionalism. In addition to the contributing authors, approximately forty-five peers across Australia contributed to the book by participating in a workshop to discuss key issues and future directions on peer work. Their contribution is documented in the chapter 'A force for change', written by Leanne Craze and David Plant. Readers will also come to an understanding that the peer workforce is an ever-increasing and vital component of multifaceted teams across all levels of the mental health sector, from service delivery to policy making to funding of services. They will gain understanding of how lived experience and peer work staff bring about much-needed cultural change in services and workplaces.

Humanising Mental Health Care in Australia is a unique and innovative contribution to the healthcare literature that outlines the trauma-informed approaches necessary to provide a more compassionate model of care for those who suffer with mental illness. The impact of abuse and trauma is frequently overlooked in this population, to the detriment of both individual and society. This work highlights the importance of recognising such a history and responding humanely. The book explores the trauma-informed perspective across four sections. The first outlines theory, constructs and effects of abuse and trauma. The second section addresses the effects of abuse and trauma on specific populations. The third section outlines a diverse range of individual treatment approaches. The final section takes a broader perspective, examining the importance of culture and training as well as the organisation and delivery of services. Written in an accessible style by a diverse group of national and international experts, Humanising Mental Health Care in Australia is an invaluable resource for mental health clinicians, the community managed and primary health sectors, policy makers and researchers, and will be a helpful reference for people who have experienced trauma and those who care for them.

This book aims to "increase knowledge and understanding of the inextricable relationship between work and mental health and influence the development and implementation of effective strategies to promote mental health and prevent mental disorders." - foreword.

It has never been more essential to support our mental health at work. With one in four people experiencing poor mental health right now, we need to start talking about it. Penguin Business Expert James Routledge has worked with CEOs, HR directors, managers and people at all levels on successful mental-health strategies. In this book, he shares his stories, learnings and guidance. Learn how to: - Talk comfortably about mental health - Create a more open and inclusive community in your workplace - Implement unique changes that are authentic to you and your business Filled with honest and relatable stories, 'conversation starters' and exclusive case studies from a diverse range of businesses and their people, Mental Health at Work will support anyone with their mental health in the workplace journey.

Following an introductory report (Sick on the Job: Myths and Realities about Mental Health and Work) and nine country reports, this final synthesis report summarizes the findings from the participating countries and makes the case for a stronger policy response.