Offer of driving experience
Sir,
As someone who posted on Facebook recently and possibly responsible in part for the cancellation of the road safety event last week, may I suggest initially that, with respect to the matter of “older” drivers it is something much more personal to the people involved than to expect them to come to an event to have their abilities assessed.
The headline of “Fit to Drive” and the mention of driving assessments will only serve to frighten those who may feel they are about to lose something they’ve had for maybe 50 years.
My own comments, I think, were not misguided. Having first-hand experience of this with my dad, it can take much more involvement from close family, friends, the health service and the DVLA to form an action plan when you are trying to take away one of an older person’s last “freedoms”. Delicacy, diplomacy and a slew of alternative ideas specific to any individual may take more effort, but it can be done without harming vital relationships or running events where those affected may feel additional stress and anxiety.
As a keen driver, I am happy to state now that when I am 80, I’ll take a good look at my abilities and decide what’s best for me and my driving ability. However, I can also pretty much guarantee you that when I reach that age, I will tell you I’m fine, I’ll tell you “it’s the young-uns” and that you can “take my licence when I’m gone”.
I am offering any experience of my own issues with my dad as well as designing and printing posters and leaflets if the police – or anyone else – thinks it would help.
The information on the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident’s website is a good starting point.
I agree a general road safety event is of paramount importance for Arran, with potentially a long-term plan to pass leaflets to visiting car drivers and cyclists boarding the ferry at the stage where they check in at Ardrossan.
Sergeant Blackley is welcome to pop round to my house any afternoon. I’ll put the kettle on.
Yours,
Graham Chappell,
Brodick.
Lost earring
Sir,
I have lost a small golf cuff earring with sparkly stones in Lamlash car park, near the tennis courts or at the high school, Kildonan or Brodick Co-op.
I know this is like looking for a needle in a haystack, but it was a precious gift from my daughter.
I would be very grateful if you could include this in your letters page.
Yours,
Lorna McFarlane,
Brodick.
Mental Health Day
Sir,
This Tuesday, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, and the Mental Health Foundation is encouraging everyone to get involved by taking the time to have a meaningful conversation about mental health.
Talking about how you feel is important to help protect your mental health. If you are struggling, it helps to talk to someone you trust.
If you want to start a conversation with someone about their mental health, find a quiet space with no distractions. Listen and allow the person to speak. Ask questions but don’t interrupt. Ask how you can help and listen to what they need.
World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness and driving positive change for everyone’s mental health. So you might like to host a Tea and Talk event at your work or community group to get everyone involved. Our website has lots of information and materials for running an event, including tips for starting conversations.
You can also show your support by wearing a green ribbon or sharing information on social media. Find out more and get posters, social media images and advice on how to protect your mental health at www.mentalhealth.org.uk/wmhd
Yours,
Julie Cameron,
Associate director for Scotland,
Mental Health Foundation.
Double the Love campaign
Sir,
Today, more than 46,000 children are sitting in classrooms across Liberia with full stomachs, eager to learn how to read and write, thanks to your readers’ heartwarming response to our previous match funding campaign supported by the UK government.
Mary’s Meals serves nutritious food in school to some of the world’s hungriest children, attracting them to the classroom, where they can gain an education and be given the chance of a brighter future.
Mary’s Meals has been able to make a life-changing difference to little ones across Liberia thanks to donations to our 2020/2021 Double The Love campaign – which were matched by the UK government, up to £2million.
Hawa, nine, attends Dendewea Public School, one of 215 schools receiving Mary’s Meals because of the incredible generosity of our fantastic supporters and the UK government.
The promise of a daily meal motivates Hawa to go to school and provides her with hope. She said: “The impact Mary’s Meals has had on my education is that it makes me studious, happy to learn and it makes me strong to work and study.
“The food that Mary’s Meals serves here has made me have hope for the future. If I did not receive the food, I would experience hunger in school.”
We wish to say how grateful we are to everyone who donated to the Double The Love campaign. Your kindness is helping us to provide lasting change for those who need it most.
You can find out more about our work by visiting marysmeals.org.uk.
Yours,
Thomas Black,
Mary’s Meals.