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20
(iv) Wireless Relay Services
The Committee continued to finance the provision of a Wireless
Relay Service for the use of the hundred and twenty aged persons
participating in the Finsbury Employment Scheme for the Elderly at
"Brooke House". 39/41 Gloucester Way, E.C.1, at the Women's Voluntary
Service Meal Centre in Exmouth Market E.C.1, and at the St. Clement's
Meal Centre, Lever Street, E.C.1. (until July 1958). 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 ensuring 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 bedridden,
were in the opinion of the officers, deserving of the provision
of wireless facilities and that in such cases the rental should be paid
by the Committee.
At the end of the year eighteen persons were enjoying such facilities
(either relay or a wireless set where Relay Service does not
operate).
(v) 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 1958.
The purpose of the Scheme is to enable old people living alone to
contact someone outside their home in an emergency. The Scheme besides
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.
(vi) 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.
(vii) Nutritional Supplements:
The arrangements continued with Messrs Wander Ltd., Messrs Bovril
Ltd., and Messrs Marmite Food Extract Co. Ltd., whereby "Ovaltine".
"Hospital Extract", "Bovril" and "Marmite" are supplied to the various