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The Work Centre named 'Brook 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.
In 1960 a small branch scheme for about 10 persons was opened in
the Community Centre on the Priory Green Estate. It was hoped to expand
this branch but so far this has not proved possible.
Some 120 elderly persons have undertaken work which has been mostly
outwork on behalf of many firms, who have generously co-operated, but
some articles have been made for sale to the trade or direct to the
public.
The elderly employed are paid a small wage amounting to 12/6d. a
week, which is slightly more than the actual value of the labour provided.
This Scheme has not only brought joy and happiness to many elderly
people but has been of great value in preserving their health of mind and
body. It has also attracted intense interest from many parts of the
country and from overseas, and many bodies are considering inaugurating,
or have inaugurated, similar schemes.
(e) Holidays: The Council has continued this service designed to preserve
the Health of the elderly by allowing those sufficiently able to do so to
benefit from a stay of two weeks in the country or at the seaside.
Applications were invited by public announcement and through variously
interested clubs and societies, such applications were made to the Health
Department. Each applicant was required to contribute a small sum
towards the cost, normally ten shillings per week, but varied slightly
in some cases. Arrangements were then made for the holiday at one or
other of the holiday homes run by voluntary organisations.
A grant was made to each of the homes or to the Finsbury Old People's
Welfare Committee, to cover the cost including the railway or coach fare,
and their necessary travelling expenses, less that amount which the
individual was required to contribute.
Holidays were provided in this way for about 394 persons in 1962,
comprising 96 men and 298 women of which 44 were married couples, at a
total cost to the Council of £3,405. Holidays were provided at Brighton,
Bognor, Leigh-on-Sea, Clacton, Margate, Worthing, Chigwell (Essex) and
Heme Bay.
The Scheme has proved an unqualified success as was evidenced by the
large number of appreciative letters received, and in other ways.
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.
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