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16
It may also be said that the character of the Health Centre
building which houses the Public Health Department was designed
to inspire the conception of Health among the many members of
the public who use it for one purpose or another.
Aged Persons.
The Council continued to take an active interest in the welfare
of old people during 1951. A full description of the services available
to the men over 65 and women over 60 years was given in the last
report, but there have been several additions.
The Part-time Employment Scheme was inaugurated with the
appointment of an Organiser. The work was at first carried on in
the hall of the Health Centre, but in September, 1951, it was
transferred to other premises considered more suitable for this
purpose, at 352, St. John Street. Many firms, both within and
without the Borough, have co-operated generously by lending
machines and giving orders for the finished articles. These
included such things as covered coat hangers, stuffed toys, aprons,
nightdresses, etc., which proved very popular as Christmas presents.
A total of 50 men and women have been employed during the
year, each worker receiving a small sum to augment his old age
pension. Ten others were found employment in firms outside, either
in part- or full-time employment. The Part-time Employment
Scheme has attracted the interest of many people concerned with
the welfare of the aged and may well serve either as an example or
precedent to other voluntary and statutory bodies.
A Laundry Service is now available for the chronic sick and for
those aged persons who, for other reasons, are unable to cope with
their own washing. This service is free and is especially appreciated
by old gentlemen living alone. Any mending or darning of socks that
is found to be necessary is undertaken by workers in the Part-time
Employment Scheme.
Assisted bathing facilities are provided at the Health Centre for
those aged persons who are unable by reason of senility or chronic
illness to avail themselves of the public baths.