A BEREAVEMENT support group is being launched at Airedale Hospital.

Anyone from the community who has experienced loss, irrespective of how recent, is invited to attend.

Meetings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month, between 2pm-3.30pm, in the hospital restaurant.

The first is on August 7.

Behind the Connections group is Airedale NHS Foundation Trust's chaplaincy team.

Lead chaplain, Liz Maitland, says: "We meet many people who've been bereaved and are trying to navigate their way through this big change in their life.

"A lot of people are keen to share their experiences so we wanted to offer a safe and informal space where people could get together with others going through something similar, and help attendees find a way forward and feel supported."

She adds: "We recognise that joining a new group can be daunting, but we’re happy to have a chat beforehand or meet people at the main entrance if they're nervous about finding their way through the hospital.

"We can also provide wheelchair support if arranged prior to the meeting."

The group is open to people of all faiths, and none.

More details can be obtained by emailing Elizabeth.maitland@nhs.net or calling 01535 294088.