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Task Force
During the year, Task Force continued to operate in the Borough.
Some 83O volunteers, enlisted from schools, youth clubs and groups, as
well as individuals, were involved in providing help to the elderly.
The average number of visits made to elderly persons each month was
1,276; regular visits were made to 350 persons. In addition, Task
Force volunteers carried out 92 decorating and 1,352 jobs, such as
window cleaning, gardening and escort duties.
Much of the work performed by Task Force is done during the weekends,
when the recognised statutory and voluntary services are not
available. The number of volunteers recruited is encouraging as is the
widening variety of tasks being undertaken. More elderly persons are
benefiting as a result. Many letters of appreciation have been received,
especially for the arrangements which were made for the well-being of
lonely elderly persons over the Christmas holidays. Relation with other
voluntary organisations have been consolidated and an interchange of
services and information continues to be satisfactory.
The following services were provided in conjunction with the
Kensington and Chelsea Old People's Welfare Committee:-
Chiropody
A domiciliary chiropody service was provided for home-bound
elderly persons. The five chiropodists employed carried out 2237
visits to 489 individual persons. Administrative assistance for
this service was provided by the British Red Cross Society. A
clinic operates at the Chelsea Community Centre in co-operation with
the School of Chiropody, the Old people's Welfare Committee and the
British Red Cross Society, and 1197 treatments were given to 300 elderly
persons. No charge is made for the service.
Libarary Facilities
The Libraries Committee authorise the provision of suitable books
including large print (Ulverscroft Print) for old peple confined to
their homes. The books were distributed by the British Red Cross
Society in the Chelsea area, and by the Women's Royal Voluntary Service
in the Kensington area. The number of persons who benefited from the
service was 177 (117)•
Advice Leaflets
The publication and distribution of pamphlets giving information on
the services available to old people was arranged by the Old People's
Welfare Committee. Approximately 3,000 were distributed. In addition,
and by arrangement with the Department of Health and Social Security,
cards giving general information on how to obtain services are sent to
persons reaching retirement age.
Social Activities
There are twenty-five social clubs for the elderly in the Royal
Borough, unfortunately the Friendship Club (Notting Hill Synagogue)
closed early in the year owing to lack of support, but several
members were able to transfer to other clubs.
Old Time Dancing and Arts and Crafts classes continue to be
held at the Chelsea and North Kensington Community Centres.