Sonya Kneen has joined Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man as a member of staff after volunteering for the charity.

Her role as its children’s bereavement support specialist is being funded by BBC Children in Need.

She will be working with bereaved children and young people at primary school age.

Sonya joined Cruse in 2018 as a bereavement volunteer supporting adults, which was a role she found extremely rewarding.

She said: ‘I am so incredibly excited and honoured to be working as part of the children and young people’s team at Cruse.

‘In 2020 I completed my training to support children and young people as, having worked for over 25 years with children and their families within schools, I understand the huge impact a significant death can have on a family.

‘I have worked in educational settings in Birmingham and London as well as on the island and am looking forward to working to support families within our local community in this important role.’

Amanda Cafearo, chief executive officer, said: ‘We are very fortunate to have recruited Sonya to our team and she is already proving to be a valuable team member. We are confident that her skills and knowledge will greatly benefit bereaved children, young people and their families.’