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OUTINGS:
As in 1955, afternoon coach outings were arranged for the homebound
old folk who rarely have the opportunity of getting out. Three
coach parties were taken for a ride around the countryside and tea
was provided en route. Members of the Council for the Welfare of
Old People were in charge of the parties and the District Nursing
Association arranged for a nurse to accompany each party.
WORKROOMS FOR THE ELDERLY:
The Council are firmly of the opinion that the employment of
elderly people within the limits of their reduced working capacity,
under good conditions, is of great value in preserving health of body
and mind, and that old people find happiness and deep satisfaction in
the assurance that they are part of, and are wanted by, the community.
It helps them to pass the time, to find comfort and cheer in the company
of their fellows, and the money earned allows of the purchase
of a few extra amenities. Moreover, it helps, admittedly in a small
way, the economic life of the country by providing a further source
of labour.
Acting as agents for the Council for the Welfare of Old People,
the Borough Council have instituted a scheme providing for the
employment of suitable persons for two hours per day (from Monday
to Friday) on simple tasks, and workrooms for this purpose were
opened in April 1956 with a complement of five workers, four of
whom have continued to be regular attenders. Approximately twenty
old people, whose average age is 75, have been employed for varying
lengths of time and it has become apparent that certain of them have
been eager to attend the workrooms merely to enjoy the companionship
they find there, monetary reward for the work they do being of
secondary importance. It is safe to say that the workrooms have given
these elderly persons a fresh interest in life and that it would have
been necessary to arrange for certain of them to be admitted to homes
for the elderly had they been unable to take advantage of the facilities
which have been afforded.
The Council have been fortunate in securing the ready co-operation
of a number of local industrialists who have gone to some
trouble to supply the material for the following types of work :
Folding of cardboard pockets and files.
Assembling nose clips for underwater apparatus.
Cutting of braid for men's braces.
Stringing of price tickets.
Folding of trade circulars and putting into envelopes.
A party was held for the employees at Christmas, the cost of which
was met from the sale of articles they had made outside working hours
and, amongst other gifts, each was presented with either a silk scarf
or tie by a local manufacturer for whom a considerable amount of
work is carried out.