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organisations represented on the Committee for resale to the aged
attending their clubs at a price considerably less than the normal
retail price. These arrangements were extended in April 1958 to
include the provision of "Jaffa Juice" which has proved equally popular
to the other Supplements provided.
(viii) Ophthalmic Service:
The Committee being of the opinion that there was a considerable
need for a special Ophthalmic Service for elderly people, there being
many who were in need of glasses or other treatment but who found it
too much trouble to make an appointment at a hospital or other clinic,
approached Moorfields Eye Hospital with a view to special arrangements
being made. Twenty nine elderly persons received ophthalmic treatment
in this way in the period under review.
(ix) Coal:
The Committee is registered in the Licensed Merchants Register in
relation to the district of Finsbury as a licensed merchant to furnish
supplies of coal in quantities not exceeding 28 lbs
This coal is stored at the Health Centre and the service was used
on numerous occasions during the year to provide coal to the aged in
an emergency.
(x) Barber Service:
The Committee during the year continued to provide a Barber Service
(Haircutting and Shaving) for elderly men who are housebound or bed
ridden and for whom it is not possible to make alternative arrangements.
(xi) Social Worker:
The Committee were enabled by reason of financial assistance
received from a local charity to employ a full time Social Worker whose
duties in brief are to aid the aged and sick poor to obtain such
benefits as may be available from any source, whether voluntary or
statutory, in the course of such work to give personal help, comfort
and friendship as may be possible. One of the main reasons for the
appointment was the fact that the Committee knew of the existence in
the borough of many aged persons whom it had not been possible to
contact personally, but who were often, due to their independent out
look, in the greatest need. It is this type of case the Committee now
hope to ferret out and ascertain their needs.
It should be noted that as well as the services outlined above
operated by or in close relation to the Council the following services
provided by the London County Council are available: