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56
Psychiatric Day Centre
In December;, the Psychiatric Day Centre previously accommodated at
92, Ladbroke Grove„ W.ll., was transferred to the new purpose-built
twenty place unit at 1/9„ St,.Marks Road W..ll. Advantage has been
gained by these modern and more spacious premises to provide increased
facilities for the occupation and care of the patients. Because of
the improved accommodation it has been possible reasonably to provide
for more than this number and the persons attending have increased to
an average of 27 per day. The activities of the centre are varied and
consist of light industrial work, pottery. simple cooking,, dress-making
and a selection of suitable handicraft activities. In order to promote
and expand the activities carried out at the Centre a qualified
occupational therapist and craft instructor have been appointed to the
permanent staff.
Social Club
The Psychiatric Social Club continued to supply a need for the
patients who reside in the borough. The club now meets at l/9 St.
Marks Road, W.ll., and so enjoys the extra amenities provided at the
new premises. This also has the added advantage of being more centrally
situated than the previous venue. The patients continue to enjoy and
make use of the facilities offered.
Mentally Sub-normal
During 1970,, 95 new cases were referred for action, e.g. community
care residential care or attendance at the training centres,. The
special clinic for children under 5 years of age continues and 13
possibly retarded infants were examined during the year.
Training Centres
The highlight of 1970 was the completion and opening of a new
purpose-built combined Adult Training Centre and Psychiatric Day
Centre at 1/9; St. Marks Road, W.ll., on the 23rd November, 1970.
Transfer of the Adult Centre from its previous somewhat inadequate
premises was eagerly looked forward to by both staff and trainees
and the move was carried out smoothly and with a minimum of disruption
to the normal routine of the centre The centre has the necessary
facilities and equipment to ensure that an interesting and diverse
programme of activities is available for the sixty trainees for when
provision is made. A more comprehensive training towards socialisation
has been achieved by the provision of a fully equipped kitchen,, laundry
and training flatlet. An increase in the range of activities has been
developed in the woodwork shop following the installation of more
sophisticated machinery. Complementary to social training and handicraft
activities is the continued use of formal educational methods, where
appropriate, in the teaching of reading and writing.
After much hard work during the period immediately prior to the
opening of the centre, Mr. R.F. Potter, who had been appointed Chief
Supervisor of the combined establishment suffered a severe coronary
attack from which he subsequently died on the 3rd January. 1971c His
untimely death was a great loss to the centre and to all who were
connected with him in his work with the mentally handicapped.
In May the annual holiday for the mentally handicapped who attend
training centres in the Inner London Boroughs was held at Dymchurch.
As in previous years, Mr. R.F. Potter of the Kensington Adult Training
Centre was responsible for supervision.