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HOME HELP SERVICE.
There continued to be a heavy demand for this service and greater
than could be met in full by the staff available, although every
eligible applicant has been given service. The heaviest demand is
still from old people,, who now comprise 79% of all households assisted,
compared with 77% in 1966.

No charge is made for home help service in the households of
expectant mothers suffering from toxaemia of pregnancy and who are
required by a medical practitioner to rest at home or in hospital.
Service was given in six such cases during 1967.
FAMILY PLANNING.
All family planning services in the borough have continued to be
provided by the West London branch of the Family Planning Association,
who hold clinics in their own centre at Telford Road, W.10., at
St. Stephen's Hospital, S.W.l0., the Violet Melchett Infant Welfare
Centre, S.W.3., and one of the Council's welfare centres.
Following the increase in publicity throughout the borough last
year, the number of women treated under the Council's scheme increased
from 64 women referred, of whom only 32 attended in 1966, to 126
referred, of whom 73 attended in 1967.
The discrepancy between the number referred and those attending
for advice continued to be an unsatisfactory feature,, Some of these
defaulters were undoubtedly women who at first agreed to accept
advice, but on further consideration decided against it on ethical or
emotional grounds. Others were dissuaded by their husbands and,
lastly, there were many, often from overcrowded homes and problem
families, who simply lack the necessary resolution to keep the
appointment or who find it difficult to make arrangements for the care
of young children in their absence.
A "ferry service" scheme was introduced by the Family Planning
Association in 1966 to help women in this situation by providing
transport, an escort, care for any children who might otherwise be