Thousands of British troops - including hundreds of Royal Marines, Navy personnel and TA reservists from Devon - are stationed in the Gulf, as the war with Iraq continues.

For the troops it's the opportunity to do the job they were trained for.

But for the family and friends they have left behind it's the start of months of concern about exactly where they are or what they're doing.

Informal support on offer

The Royal Naval Personal and Family Services unit has set up informal drop-in facilities at three RN Community Centres in the Plymouth area.

They offer a caring and informal environment where family members can share anxieties, ask questions about anything, receive briefings and most importantly provide mutual support to others ‘in the same boat’.

Families are desperate to keep in touch with troops in the war zone

The Navy is ready to offer similar facilities on the service family estates at Torpoint, Eggbuckland, Widewell and Horrabridge if necessary.

Plans are also in place to provide facilities in Ivybridge, Saltash, Tavistock and Liskeard if needed.

Regular meetings are taking place at the Community Centre at RNAS Yeovilton, (01935 841686) and can be arranged at the Community Centre at RNAS Culdrose if needed (01326 565132).

Although run by the Navy’s Community Service, families with relatives from all the armed services are very welcome to attend any of these meetings.

If families need any information about these meetings they should contact Nick Bennett, the Naval Area Community Officer on 01752 770860.

Keeping in contact

Families are also understandably anxious about telephone and e-mail contact being restricted.

The Royal Navy says this is normal in an operational environment and has advised relatives not to get unduly worried.

"Ships may need occasionally to minimise and suspend telephone and e-mail systems," said Lyn Whiteway of the Service and Families Advice Bureau.

But she said that doesn’t mean that families and friends won’t be able to continue sending those e-mails.

"The ship transmission systems will be brought back on line as quickly as is operationally sensible and then your messages will be received".

Post will also still be getting through, albeit slow at times - so the message is to keep writing!

Church offers support

Church leaders in Devon are making preparations to offer support for families, should casualties occur.

The Bishop of Exeter is setting up a support network throughout the diocese to help family and friends of Devon's armed forces.

National guidelines have been issued which give guidance on offering pastoral care during wartime.

The recommendations call for churches to be open for people who wish to come together to pray and be with the community.

Bishop Michael has called on Christians of all denominations to work together locally to provide support for people with family wounded, missing or killed in action.