Introduction to areas of social work practice in mental health

[Extract] After a lifelong career in social work practice and education-first in the United Kingdom (UK) and then Australia-I have come to the firm conclusion that mental health is every social worker's concern, since, irrespective of their place of practice, country, nature of employment, most (if not all) social workers will come in contact with people with mental health issues and often may feel that their skills and practice confidence are challenged. Thus, an understanding of the context and areas of practice is important, along with an understanding of the needs and rights of people whose lives are touched by mental ill health. Accordingly, in this part of the book, the chapters provide us with examples of social workers in a range of different agency contexts, working in ways to support and reinforce strengths in people who live with mental health issues or may be vulnerable to their development. The chapters focus on work with children, adolescents, women escaping family violence, migrants, people caught up in problematic substance use, older people and those contemplating suicide. They contain detailed discussion of the authors' respective areas of practice and pose a number of questions for us to consider in our professional practice. Together, the chapters highlight the social work commitment to practice in ways which promote the well-being of each and every person we encounter, including not only those who are living with diagnosed mental ill health but also those whose lives are affected by the debilitating impacts of loss and trauma