I READ with interest the article in your Health and Well Being section dated January 3 about the film The King’s Speech and changing attitudes to stammering.

Your readers will be pleased to know that nowadays there is a speech and language service available for children and young people who stammer. Early intervention has proved most effective in supporting these children and their families.

Good liaison and communication with schools and nurseries provides an excellent opportunity for educating all those who work with children who stammer and usually prevents negative attitudes from developing.

The film coincides with the launch of the 2011 National Year of Communication, of which Giving Voice is one part.

Throughout the year the communication difficulties adults and children may experience will be highlighted. The King’s Speech has started us off well.

Helen Lennox, Speech and language therapist, North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services.