The RNLI is a splendid organisation that deserves our support

Upon reading your article about the abuse of the RNLI staff following the rescue of migrants in the Channel I immediately set up a monthly contribution to that splendid organisation.

It’s paramount aim of rescuing those in peril on the sea embraces the best of the British character and is the antithesis of the noisy and vile elements which I hope are really a minority.

It is a small gesture but is something positive which I can do – perhaps others might similarly consider this.

Alastair Duncan

Winchester

I am really puzzled at the contempt dished out to Allegra Stratton over her suggestions on how to change our behaviour to help contain global warming and hopefully reduce it. Ms Stratton’s ideas seem eminently sensible to me.

Small actions really matter. Using bar soap, not buying mineral water, keeping the bathwater to put on the garden, walking to the shops; millions of small actions like these by a population of nearly 67 million would have a noticeable effect.

Never was a truer phrase than this: think global, act local. Individual actions at local level are an essential part of the world’s climate change strategy.

Glynne Williams

London

Tom Peck hits a nail on the head in his elucidation of the paradoxes of elite sport.

The athletes are dedicated to the sport. But the Olympics and other international events are driven by corporations whose purpose is to make money.

For the audience, the demonstration of extraordinary feats is entertaining and uplifting. But should I really care whether the gold medal is awarded to someone who lives on the same bit of the planet as I do, or to an equally hard-working person from another country? Is it necessary for the exponents to have the stress of competition imposed upon them when the difference between the winners and runners up is often minuscule? Tom Dean beat Duncan Scott by only 0.04 seconds.

Now we learn that Simone Biles has bravely announced that she withdrew from her gymnastics event to protect her mental health. Continuing would also have been likely to have a detrimental effect on her wellbeing.

Becoming an elite athlete requires enormous time and effort on the part of young (often very young) individuals and their families. Injuries are common. Many never make it to the top. We don't hear much about them or the damage done to their mental and physical health.

Susan Alexander

Frampton Cotterell

As a coalition of organisations that support vulnerable children and young people, we were delighted to note recent Scottish government legislation supporting siblings in care to be kept together, where appropriate.

However, over the years a flurry of legislation has been implemented to improve the lives of those who are care experienced, most recently with these new rules, and yet in many cases, this has failed to be upheld.

To ensure such rights are protected, an independent advocate can help individuals access these, the benefits that they are entitled to and guide them through legal processes if that is what is required.

The outcome from the recent Independent Care Review welcomingly pointed to ensuring that, by 2024, all care experienced children and their families will have access to independent advocacy at all stages of their experience of care.

As a nation, we must aim to ensure that care-experienced children, young adults and families can navigate the system of care without such extra support. However, advocates will be required for as long as the care system remains complex and does not provide these individuals with the support that they need.

If our care system and those involved with care-experienced people are committed to improving their lives, a promise made clear in the Care Review, access to independent advocacy is crucial in delivering this.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

As an inpatient of the NHS during the current pandemic, I had the most wonderful treatment by all the medical and non-medical staff and they truly deserve all the praise that is given to them.

However, I am puzzled by the way the GP surgeries had virtually closed during the lockdown and still remain so.

I can understand that the doctors needed to be protected but are they at more risk than hospital staff or my physio for instance?

The offer of a phone call is not good enough.

Gary Kirk

Burnley