Blue Book Mental Health

After more than 11 years without a significant update, GROW’s foundational Blue Book had become outdated in both language and some content. The challenge was to modernise so it could better connect with younger people and more diverse communities, while faithfully preserving core principles and peer-led spirit.Key issues included dated language, gaps in contemporary recovery topics, and the need for clearer pathways through the program. The revision also had to honour GROW’s non-religious yet deeply spiritual ethos and ensure the process remained democratic and member driven. it was integral the final decision to remain with members not CEO / Board.

Over 2.5 years GROW launched an extensive national co-design process. A dedicated National Program subcommittee met fortnightly, while more than 220 leader GROW members nationwide contributed through structured feedback and local meetings.In total, members and leaders invested well over 1,200 hours reviewing, writing, and refining the content. The team updated the language into plain English, added powerful new lived-experience material (Grief & Loss, Co-dependence, Emotional Maturity, Shame & Guilt, Healthy Relationships), introduced the three stages of GROW, and formalised the 12 Traditions. Two versions (standard and faith-based) plus multiple accessible formats were produced to accommodate growing diversity of membership.

Launched in November 2025, the revised Blue Book has already sold over 2000 copies to people with Mental health needs (and used extensively in Grow's peer support group system) in its first five months and is heading into its second print run in May 2026.The project stands as a powerful example of authentic co-design — engaging more than 220 members and over 1,200 volunteer hours in a genuine democratic process. The new edition is making GROW’s life-changing program more welcoming, relevant, and effective for the next generation of Australians living with mental health challenges

An extensive democratic co-design process involving over 220 GROW members and more than 1,200 volunteer hoursSignificant new lived-experience content created by members for membersClear three-stage GROW pathway: Beginning, Progressing, and Seasoned GrowerFormal introduction of the 12 Traditions of GROWDual standard and faith-based versionsHighly accessible formats: A6 pocket, A5 large print, eBook, and upcoming audiobook