Call for Book Chapters: "Embracing the Power of Communities: Working Across the Sectors to Improve Mental Health"

Vernon Press invites book chapters for a forthcoming edited volume on the subject of "Embracing The Power of Communities: Working Across the Sectors to Improve Mental Health".

For too long, education, health, law enforcement, community groups and businesses have worked in isolation to address mental health issues. Yet each of these key stakeholders plays a role in prevention, intervention or support in communities. I have seen clear benefits in adopting a community model for mental health as it enables real change to happen that values the strengths that lie within each of these organisations while creating sustainability for improved mental health outcomes. 

This book will have focus on the ability of passionate individuals to make a difference by bringing people together to start conversations and problem-solve local issues in order to create effective solutions. There will be an emphasis on creating change and momentum from the ground up and valuing the strengths that already exist across our communities and sectors. 

The first 2 0r 3 chapters, written by Renee Knapp, will set the scene in the text by discussing the above topic and addressing the key benefits of a community approach and also the outcomes and areas that a cross-sector approach can look to address. A specific Case Study with very successful outcomes will then be provided to give the reader an understanding of what can be achieved when intentionally collaborating across communities to improve mental health and well-being. We would like to provide an opportunity for other individuals to share the work they do or offer valuable insight (it is not expected that your work will be the same as the initial chapters written by Renee Knapp, but rather work that you may be doing to improve mental health within a community setting or for the benefit of community members). Please watch this short video for better insight into the work Renee Knapp does within this sector.

This is truly an incredible opportunity to spread the word about the amazing work being done from the ground up. Work that is creating impact and considerable traction. This is an opportunity to show people that they can make a difference, even if they do not have a mental health qualification (this is not about taking away from the incredible work our mental health professionals do). This is about utilising the strengths that each sector, community group or sporting group, workplace, lived experience has and providing people with insight and guidance as to what can be achieved when the ability to work together is provided or facilitated.

Vernon Press invites you to contribute to this well-timed, essential book about the difference that can be made. This will be an opportunity to spread your message and name, and promote your beliefs and potentially your work by increasing your reach and audience.

If you are interested in contributing a chapter (approximately 5000-8000 words), please send a short expression of interest, including a potential title for your chapter, an abstract of what you would cover (no longer than 250 words), and bio to Renee Knapp, Think Effective Consultancy (Volume Editor & Author) at renee@thinkeffective.com.au by 18th August 2023.

The proposal deadlines are as follows: 

Deadlines for abstracts submission: 18th August 2023

Acceptance of abstract: 28th August 2023

Full Chapter Submission: 30th November 2023