Hearing check can help people enjoy our wildlife

Dear Editor

Spring is fast approaching and, with it, the familiar sounds of the dawn chorus, as we listen out for the melodic blackbird, the beautiful song thrush and the sweet serenade of the blue tit.

Bird song is important to many of us – in new research from RNID, 73 per cent of UK adults said they would miss the sounds of birds singing if they lost their hearing.

This World Hearing Day, on Sunday, March 3, RNID is encouraging nature-lovers to take a free online hearing check.

Missing the high-pitched calls and trills of birds is common for people who are experiencing undiagnosed hearing loss, and as changes in your hearing can happen gradually, they can be difficult to spot. More than 360,000 people have taken RNID’S online hearing check, and many of them tell us they can now enjoy hearing birds singing again thanks to their hearing aids.

One person said: “There seem to be more birds in the garden!”

Another declared: “I can hear birdsong in all its glory.”

It’s easy to take RNID’S online hearing check and it only takes three minutes – why not check your hearing today at www.rnid.org.uk.

Crystal Rolfe, RNID

Dayofreflection

Dear Editor

The new ITV drama ‘Breathtaking’, which started last week and is set in a hospital on the frontline during the pandemic, will be triggering for many people who were bereaved during that time.

This period was a devastating time of loss where people’s normal traditions and death rituals couldn’t take place or were altered in some way.

For a great many, this made their grief either delayed or more complicated and put millions at risk of needing formal grief counselling.

On Sunday, March 3, Marie Curie will lead the nation in a Uk-wide Day of Reflection to remember the people who died during the pandemic, from any cause, and to show support for those who were bereaved. It’s a day for healing and hope for the future.

We’re asking the public to observe a minute’s silence at noon.

If anyone needs support with their grief, or someone to talk to, contact Marie Curie’s support line for free on 08000 902309 or visit the website www.dayofreflection.org.uk. Matt Williams, Marie Curie

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Charitywillsuccess

Dear Editor

Thorntons’ latest charity wills campaign raised £43,500 for Radio Tay’s Cash for Kids.

Every September offices waive their fees for those making wills, asking them to instead donate an equivalent sum to the charity.

It’s an honour to support the charity’s very important work and we thank everyone for their contribution. Murray Etherington, Thorntons