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82
In September, 1965, the assistant supervisor in the nursery
group returned from the one-year course run by the National
Association for Mental Health.
Also in September a supernumerary assistant supervisor was
appointed, normally to work at Wandsworth Training Centre, but
to be available for either of the other Centres in times of staff
shortage. This position greatly relieved the staffing problems within
the training centres.
Balham training centre—There were 60 trainees on the register
throughout 1965 and during the year two left the centre to take
up paid employment.
Newlands training centre — This centre similarly caters for
women and girls over 16 years and has accommodation for 40
trainees.
Short-term care
Short-term care is a means by which parents who are caring
for their subnormal child at home can be relieved for up to eight
weeks a year. It is valuable in times of a family crisis, such as
ill-health or confinement, and gives overworked parents with large
families the opportunity of a temporary relief once or twice a year.
There is no doubt that plentiful use of short-term care reduces the
number of families who break down and are forced to ask for
permanent residential care for their children.

Long-term care
During the year 26 patients have been maintained in long-term
care at homes run by the following organizations : —
Guardianship Society 7
Mental After-Care Association 10
National Association for Mental Health 1
St. Michael's Convent 3
Richmond Fellowship 1
Hampton Manor Homes 1
Cheshire Foundation Homes 1
St. Joseph's Special School 1
Foster Home 1