View report page

- 64 -
Community Care
During the year mental welfare officers initially visited 986
persons. The number of visits made to individual patients varied
according to their needs.
The average case load for officers at 31st December 1969 was
56.2 and includes the mentally ill and mentally subnormal.
Social Club
The Psychiatric Social Club which was run under the auspices of
the Notting Hill Social Council had unfortunately to close as they
were unable to provide social worker supervision.
At the beginning of 1969 it was felt that an additional
psychiatric social club was required in North Kensington and this
was started by the Council's mental welfare officers on the premises
of the Junior Training Centre. This club has proved successful and
in addition to indoor activities, an outing to Brighton during the
summer and an evening visit to the theatre were organised. These
outings were much enjoyed.
Mentally Subnormal
During the year 97 new cases were referred for action, e.g.
community care, residential care or attendance at the training centres.
The special clinic for children under five years of age continues and
twenty-three examinations were carried out during the last twelve
months.
Residential Care
Long term residential care has been authorised for 41 persons who
were mentally ill or subnormal. In a further 27 cases short term care was
arranged to provide relief to parents and relatives from the strain of
caring for the mentally subnormal.
Training Centres
Formal educational methods continue to be used throughout the
Junior Training Centre and at each level suitable children are being
taught to read and write.
At the Adult Training Centre progress has also been maintained in
the teaching of reading and writing. Emphasis is however placed on
social training to enable the trainees to become more self reliant and
take their place in the day to day life of the community.
The annual holiday at Dymchurch, New Romney, was held during May
1969 and Mr. R.F. Potter, Supervisor of the Adult Training Centre was
again in charge of the camp.