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Since 1948 there has been In existence In the Borough an Old
People's Welfare Committee, comprising representatives of the
Bethnal Green Borough Council and the various local organisations
and social settlements.
Beginning as it did with the formation of one club for old
people, other clubs have been established and there are now nine
clubs under the Committee's control, having a total membership of
over 850.
The Committee is also fully cognizant of the needs of old
people apart from the amenities afforded by clubs. A chiropody
scheme is in operation, whereby old people may receive foot treatment
at the chiropody clinic, or in the case of the homebound, have
foot treatment in their own homes.
Great importance is also attached to the necessity for ensuring
that old people have the opportunity of obtaining hot meals, and a
meals-on-wheels service is operated on four days per week.
There is also a holiday scheme in operation whereby old people,
who are members of clubs or organisations, may enjoy a well-earned
rest in beautiful country surroundings at the Council's Holiday
Centre at Redbourn, near St. Albans, Hertfordshire.
The plight of the lonely and homebound old people has not been
forgotten, and although this is the biggest physical task of all,
in as much as there is an estimated total population of 7,500 old
persons living in the Borough, a scheme of regular visiting of the
infirm and aged sick is in full operation.
Bethnal Green is known to have one of the highest proportions
of aged people among its residents in any of the London Boroughs,
and the size of the task can be measured from the fact that old
people number one eighth of the total population of the Borough.
Nevertheless, the Committee is ever anxious to pursue further
schemes in the welfare of the aged, and a laundry scheme for the
elderly is being considered.
Much of the work of the Committee could not have been achieved
without considerable financial help, and in this connection the
Bethnal Green Borough Council has responded most generously to
requests from the Committee for such assistance.