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17
I am of the opinion that a holiday benefits considerably the
permanent health of the individual, builds up the body for the winter
months and is of considerable value socialogically. All this apart
from the pleasure and enjoyment given to the aged persons at the time.
(iii) Meal Services
(a) Many of the aged, particularly those who live alone, are apt
to take insufficient food, not only because of expense but also because
of the difficulty and trouble involved in preparing a satisfactory meal
for one. Dinner services, therefore, have been instituted through
voluntary associations throughout the Borough. A grant is given to the
associations by the Council to cover their expenses and further grants
are made by the London County Council and Pinsbury Old People's Welfare
Committee to enable the meals to be supplied at a cost of elevenpence
per head to the aged. During 1958 a total of 17,497 meals were served
from such centres. The centres in operation which are open on 3-5 days
a week are:
1. Women's Voluntary Service, 68, Exmouth Market, E.C.1.
2. British Red Cross Society, Old People's Centre, 9, Walmsley Street,
E.C.1.
3. Field Lane Institution, 16, Vine Hill, Clerkenwell Road, E.C.1.
4. Claremont Central Mission, White Lion Street, N.1.
5. *St. Clement's Hall, Lever Street. E.C.1.
*It is hoped to open a new meal centre at more suitable premises
at the Finsbury Mission early in 1959 to replace St. Clements Hall
Meal Service which was closed in July 1958 due to lack of voluntary
help.
(b) Invalid Meals for London:
Aged persons, who are unable by reason of sickness and infirmity
to attend one of the Meal Centres run by the various voluntary organisations,
were supplied with a meal delivered at their home. There is,
however, a restricted service and there is often a waiting list of
applicants.
(iv) Finsbury Employment Scheme for the Elderly
This Scheme continued to develop and to expand during the year
under review.
The Work Centre named "Brooke House" situated at 39/41 Gloucester
Way, E.C.1, made possible as a result of a number of generous benefactors,
and opened by the late Lord Horder in November 1954, has proved
eminently satisfactory in every way.