I have worked with children for over 25 years in the statutory and the voluntary sectors, both in paid work and as a volunteer, including being a school governor, a Brownie and Guide leader, and in delivering a mental health intervention to children in schools on behalf of a university. I am particularly interested in early intervention to improve mental health and the role of schools in such interventions. Having previously supervised a PhD student I am now undertaking a professional doctorate in Education which will focus on the role of primary schools in identifying and supporting children's mental health needs.