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18
The "Wireless for the Bedridden Society":
The Committee continued to act as Sponsor in respect of applications
received from bedridden or housebound Finsbury aged persons
desiring wireless facilities provided by the above Society.
Wireless Relay Services
The Committee continued to finance the provision of a Wireless
Relay Service for the use of the hundred and ten aged persons participating
in the Finsbury Employment Scheme for the Elderly at Brooke
House5*, 39/41 Gloucester Way E.C.1, at the Women's Voluntary Service
Meal Centre in Exmouth Market E.C.1.U and at the St. Clement's Meal
Centre, Lever Street, E.C.1. These have been much appreciated by the
elderly persons using the Centres.
During the year the Committee entered into an agreement with the
two Relay Wireless Companies which cover the greater part of the
borough whereby relay wireless facilities are provided for elderly
persons at a reduced rental; the Committee to be responsible for en
suring that each aged person has a current Wireless Receiving Licence.
It was agreed that the service should initially be restricted to
a maximum of twenty aged persons who whilst not housebound or bed
ridden were in the opinion of the officers deserving of the pro
vision of wireless facilities and that in such cases the rental should
be paid by the Committee
At the end of the year thirteen persons were enjoying such
facilities (either relay or a wireless set where Relay Service does
not operate)
S.O.S Card Scheme
The S.O.S Card Scheme operated by the Committee in the borough
has functioned very successfully in the past. No use, however, was
made of the Scheme during 1956
The purpose of the Scheme is to enable old people living alone to
contact someone outside their home in an emergency., The Scheme be
sides having a practical value also has a comfort value as many of
the aged express the sense of security which possession of the card
affords them
Visiting of the Aged in Hospital:
Arrangements have been made for members of the voluntary organisations
represented on the Committee to visit Finsbury persons accommodated
in hospital who are not receiving regular visits from friends
and relations.