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without obvious self-consciousness or embarrassment. A
full record was made on film and tape which formed part
of the demonstration of the work of the Camberwell Parents'
Group at the annual conference of the Central Council for
Health Education at the National Film Theatre on the 28th
January, 1962.
Discussion
This experiment on one aspect of health education,
in collaboration with parish priests, showed that with the
right approach, individual reticence can be overcome and
parents benefit from full discussion of their problems,
not only under the guidance of experts, but among themselves.
The people concerned were, admittedly, a selected
group, and as church members in the presence of their
priest, may have been more amenable to guidance than others
in greater need of advice. To gather together these others
in a similar way - through their clubs and other organisations
- would appear to justify more attention than is
devoted to it at present. It entails a great deal of work,
however, and involves attendance at many evening meetings
which, with a shortage of experts (and wise supervision
is essential), is not easy to arrange.
This work does not encroach on the present field of
activity of health visitors and others concerned with the
promotion of health. It runs in conjunction with it, catering
mainly for those who may not feel that they are in need
of outside help, and who do not therefore seek it. Their
problems are generally beneath the surface. As their children
grow up, the mothers cease to attend the child welfare
centres and many of them lose touch with the health visitor;
this was the case with the members of the group under
discussion. If, however, more groups are to be setup, the
assistance of health visitors and other social workers, as
members of the supervisory teams, will be of considerable
assistance in overcoming the shortage of suitable helpers.
Many of them, no doubt, are already engaged in additional
evening work of a similar nature.
The members of the second group were most anxious to
continue and a doctor living locally, who is specially
interested in this work, has now associated herself with
the group - which still meets regularly. It is hoped to
start groups in other churches in the Borough and a meeting
is to be called of representatives of all religious denomina-