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38
WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE.
The borough Council has at all times shown great interest in the
welfare of Old People, and no stone is left unturned in endeavouring to
bring at least some measure of pleasure into the lives of those who may
be lonely or suffering from infirmity,, An Old People's Welfare Committee
is constantly working with this goal in view, and is in receipt of a grant
of £350 per annum from the Borough Council to assist it in its workc
The co-operation of such associations as the London Council of Social
Service, the National Old People's Welfare Committee, the Women's Voluntary
Services, the British Red Cross, and numerous other publio=spirited
bodies is also much appreciated,,
Throughout the year, a "Meals on Wheels" service has been operating
for four days in each week, and by this means persons who would otherwise
find great difficulty in preparing meals for themselves are relieved of both
anxiety and trouble in this respect, During the year approximately 8,840
cooked meals were delivered to the homes of aged and infirm persons,
Two Clubs are available for Old People in the Borough, and amongst
the facilities of which they can take full advantage are a meeting hall,
canteen, men's and women's rooms, toilets, and a library, whilst a piano
and a radiogram have proved very popular.
The following is an indication of the varied services which have
been given during 1950:-
Arranglng for admission to hospital 13
Issues of food parcels 35
Provision of Home Helps 51
Arranging for admission to institutions 17
Assistance in regard to securing housing
accommodation,, 9
Provision of clothing, 39
Provision of furniture 17
Arranging holidays 25
Provision of items of bedding 21
Provision of chiropody services 55
Visits to persons on register prior to 1950 732
Visits to persons added to register during
year 576
At the present time a comprehensive register of all persons who are
aged and/or infirm is being prepared, and whilst, at the end of the year,
160 cases were receiving help in one form or another, it is most desirable
that information should be available in regard to all persons who are
eligible for some assistance, and, in addition, those who may in the
near future gain a little comfort from the knowledge that they will also
be helped,