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Actionwas taken in63 cases. The bedding was marked, collected and laundered
at the Council's disinfecting station and returned to the person's home. The scheme appears
to fill a much felt need. During the year, 2,178 separate col lections of laundry were made
and the number of articles cleansed totalled 29,279.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
There are 23 social clubs for elderly people organised by various associations,
etc.; among them being Old Time Dancing and Arts and Crafts classes. The clubs also
arrange outings and concerts.
Christmas concerts were arranged by the Old People's Welfare Committee at
Kensingtonand Chelsea TownHalls. These were attended bysome 850 persons. In addition,
1,880 Christmas parcels were distributed to needy old persons by the Old People's Welfare
Committee and various organisations and schools in the borough.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
SOCIAL AND REHABILITATION CENTRE
TheCentre, situated in Gertrude Street, S.W. 10. was adapted and brought into
use in November, 1965. All persons known to be suffering from blindnessor physical handicap
and those of the elderly who might benefit by attendance were advised of the facilities
of the Centre. At the end of the year, the total membership was 42.
This establishment is open each week-day and is staffed by a supervisor, an
assistant supervisor, kitchen and cleaning staff and a porter. Transport is provided for
handicapped persons to and from their homes. Morning and afternoon tea and a midday
meal are also provided.
The main activity is handicraft work for which qualified instructors of the Inner
London Education Authority are engaged. A variety of activities is planned as the membership
increases, including the introduction of equipment for pottery, art and drama, sewing
etc. Arrangements were made for two Christmas parties, one for the blind, the other for
physically handicapped, both of which were very much enjoyed.
HOLIDAYS
In 1964 provisional bookings of holidays to be taken in 1965 were arranged by
the former London County Council for residents of old people's homes and handicapped and
blind persons. Also, the former boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea arranged provisional
holidays for elderly persons. These arrangements were accepted by the new Council. In
fact, the Chief Welfare Officer acted as the co-ordinating officer for all Inner London
Boroughs, in respect of the arrangements initiated by the former London County Council.
Bookings had been made at holiday camps providing chalets and ground floor
facilities suitable for the infirm, and at holiday homes and guest houses for the more active.