INDEPENDENT hospital The Retreat is to host a series of open group meetings for people directly affected by the tsunami disaster.

The charitable hospital in Heslington Road, York, is holding three open sessions, the first of which will be on Wednesday, January 26 - exactly a month after the disaster.

There will be no charge for attendees and the meetings will last from 5pm to 7.30pm.

Dr Mark McFetridge, head of the psychological trauma service at The Retreat, said: "As we have many years' experience of helping traumatised individuals and health professionals with difficulties, we hope we can offer extra resources for people working through the personal effects of the tsunami.

"People coming along can expect a warm welcome. No one will be expected to talk about their experiences in depth and the emphasis will be on what may help now and in the future.

"We hope that those people attending will influence the planning and contribute to the support services that continue beyond this."

Anyone wishing to attend or needing further information should phone Annie Borthwick on 01904 412551 ext 2626 or email tsunami@retreat-hospital.org.

Updated: 10:43 Tuesday, January 18, 2005