Mental illness is as common as cancer and cardiovascular disease, affecting nearly one in two Australians. Our new report Mental health matters shows that it has an enormous impact on society. It often starts in adolescence and many people affected get little or no mental health care.

With a foreword written by Professor Pat McGorry AO from The University of Melbourne, the report demonstrates the difficulties people living with mental illness face in plain language and accessible graphs.

Mental health matters is the second report in RaggAhmed's snapshot series that addresses issues of public interest. Our first was Fine, but not fair.

Established in 1992, Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) is the national umbrella body working to prevent suicide through the promotion of collaboration and partnerships. RaggAhmed wrote, edited and designed SPA's enewsletter Suicide Prevention News which is targeted at researchers, academics, policymakers and people working in the field of suicide prevention. It reaches an audience of more than 5,500 people. Sent out three times a year, regular features in the newsletter include interviews with high-profile members of the suicide prevention community, a 'lived experience' piece from a suicide attempt survivor, and the latest research and news updates.

beyondblue: the national depression initiative is a not-for-profit organisation that provides information to the community and health professionals, contributes to mental health policy, and initiates research and prevention programs. RaggAhmed provided editorial services for Research 2007-2010: Targeted research in depression, anxiety and related disorders, which contains information on more than 140 research projects across Australia funded by beyondblue. Aimed at an audience comprising both mental health professionals and consumers, the book is notable for its clear easy-to-read language and user-friendly layout. We also provided design services for this publication, which is available in hard copy or electronic format.

The Clinical Excellence Commission is a statutory authority responsible for promoting and supporting clinical quality and safety in the NSW public health system. RaggAhmed worked with the Clinical Excellence Commission to report on its 2009 Quality Systems Assessment program in a way that engages its audiences of doctors, nurses, managers and policymakers. We conceived, wrote, edited, designed and produced a suite of 14 publications for different readerships. We also developed a communications strategy to support the launch of the publications. The aim of the project was to further embed a culture of quality and safety in NSW public hospitals.

NSW Health is the state government department responsible for monitoring the health system and working to improve the health and well-being of the population. RaggAhmed provided editorial services for this plain English, practical and user-friendly consumer resource about falls prevention targeted at older people. We provided design and print production services for the publication, which is also available in electronic format. And we developed a series of posters to raise awareness of the resource. The project involved liaison with key stakeholders, analysis of focus groups research findings, commissioning of original photography and extensive image research.

South Australia's environment agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), brings conservation of the environment and the management of natural resources together. DENR is in the process of developing a network of 19 marine parks, relying on a high level of community input. RaggAhmed provided strategic communication advice and developed a plain English screening tool so community members could apply the scientific principles behind SA's marine park program and help design their local marine park. We also wrote a series of publications and presentations.