The fighting in Iraq has emphasised the need for support to those families whose wives or husbands, sons or daughters or brothers or sisters are involved.

The mental strain and worry can be considerable.

The opportunity to share concerns and information can be of great comfort, especially where uncertainties abound.

For families based with their spouse's units, plenty of such mutual support is available among their friends and colleagues living locally and from their unit authorities and welfare agencies.

But families and relatives far away - such as in Brighton and Hove - are isolated from the opportunity to share the burden of worry.

They have little chance of getting other than incidental information about their kin. The media inevitably carry the big picture but that can often raise concerns rather than allay them.

I am interested in helping set up a support group to enable all people in the same position here in Brighton and Hove to get together, share concerns and worries and provide that mutual support - even from comparative strangers - that can be such a help.

If you are interested in helping and benefiting from such a local venture, do get in touch with me on 07949 606222 or through pmillar@boltblue.com

-Name and address supplied