Young people coming to terms with bereavement can now seek help from their schools.

Statistics show almost 80 per cent of children will lose a friend or relative before they are 16, and documents published by the Department of Education are being given to schools to help them help their students.

Special educational needs co-ordinator for Ramsey Grammar School Julie Owen said: "The documents are really aimed at giving guidance to the people who work in schools. They are not necessarily giving information to children, more helping teachers and other adults who work in schools to give information to them.

"Secretaries, dinner ladies and anybody else who is involved with working with young people on a daily basis can have an impact on helping them manage their grief and come to terms with their loss."

(Picture: The launch of the bereavement guidance document, with Julie Owen at the rear on the left).