Book excerpt: In every UK classroom, an estimated three children suffer from a diagnosable mental health problem. Proactive Pastoral Care is a vital guide to enable secondary teachers to empower their students to make healthy life choices and look after their wellbeing, both in school and beyond. With practical, research-based activities and resources for tutor time, assemblies, Relationships and Sex Education and PSHE lessons, this book puts student wellbeing at the heart of the agenda. It also includes a foreword by Dr Pooky Knightsmith, an internationally renowned mental health educator, speaker and author. Pastoral care expert Maria O'Neill explores several aspects of student wellbeing, from community building and parental engagement to e-safety and caring for mental health. Maria introduces refreshing, proactive techniques that can be put into practice straightaway to create a supportive learning environment. Backed up by academic research, Maria's easy-to-follow techniques mean any teacher, form tutor or head of year can feel confident in their approach and offer students the pastoral support they need.