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of the many services available or to join old people's
clubs. In a number of cases, the Council's visitors have
been able to establish a friendly relationship and confidence
which has done much to overcome this difficulty. They have
personally taken many old people, who have been hesitant
to join, to introduce them to the organisers of clubs and
to meet the other members. This has helped them to decide
to attend regularly and opened up for them a new interest.
Due to their knowledge of many housebound old people,
they have been instrumental in helping a number of them
to have a holiday for the first time for many years,
through the U.G. S. or the Old People's Welfare Association.
Close attention is also given to the prevention of
home accidents. Where necessary, arrangements are made
through the L. C. C. Divisional Office for the provision of
fire-guards; the Gas Board also co-operate by re-siting
slot meters where they are not readily accessible and
attending promptly to defective appliances. Housing defects
are referred to the public health inspectors who serve
notices on the owners to remedy them.
Much of the work carried out by the Council's visitors
is of a personal nature, but there is no doubt that it is
welcomed by the majority of old people and the number of
letters received at the Public Health Department expressing
their grateful thanks and appreciation bears testimony to
its need and value.
Employment Scheme for the Elderly
The Camberwell Association for Employment for the
Elderly, which was sponsored by the Council, continued
its activities at Cambridge House throughout the year with
considerable success. There are two groups - each of 25
elderly men and women - who undertake two hours light work
per day for a five-day week. Outings are arranged and a
happy club-like atmosphere prevails. Mid-day meals are
provided at a nominal charge of elevenpence.
The whole scheme is under medical supervision and it
has frequently been possible to rehabilitate those who have
lost wife or husband or who have suffered mental ill health
and feel that life has nothing more to offer them. The
friendship and sense of being of value to the community
contributes greatly to the happiness of the participants
in the Scheme.