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(j) S.O.S. Cards (F.0.P.W.C.): The S.O.S. Card Scheme operated by the
Committee in the Borough has functioned very successfully as in the past.
No use, however, was made of the Scheme during the year under review.
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.
(k) Clubs: There are a number of clubs for the elderly in the Borough,
and most of these have remained available throughout the period under
review. The majority of them meet once a week and sometimes more often,
and various social activities are organised in connection with them.
Several are closing associated with religious organisations:
The following may be listed:
Women's Voluntary Service, 68 Exmouth Market, E.C.1.
Clerkenwell & Islington Medical Mission, Woodbridge Street, E.C.1.
Field Lane Community Centre, 32 Cubitt Street, W.C.1.
Finsbury Mission, Moreland Street, E.C.1.
Leysian Mission, 112 City Road, E.C.1.
Claremont Central Mission, White Lion Street, N.1.
British Red Cross Society, Walmsley Street, E.C.1.
British Red Cross Society, Priory Green Community Centre, N.1.
St. Luke's Church, Old Street, E.C.1.
St. James (Pentonville) Womens Fellowship, Pentonville Road, N.1.
St. James (Clerkenwell) Clerkenwell Close, E.C.1.
Holy Redeemer Church, Exmouth Market, E.C.1.
Sunshine Club, 33 Lloyd Baker St., W.C.1.
Special mention however, should be made of that organised by the
British Red Cross Society at 9 Walmsley Street, E.C.1. The premises
consist of the basement (kitchen) Ground floor and 1st floor of a medium
sized terraced house. These are open most days of the week for club
members and other elderly to make use of as they wish - though in fact
the numbers using them have been small. The ground floor rooms are used
as a snuggery for the elderly to sit and gossip round the fires.
A special afternoon meeting was arranged each week for the housebound
elderly and special transport has been arranged for them. This provided
a valuable amenity for those not normally able to take advantage of
facilities and services available for the more active elderly.
(1) Compulsory Removal: It was not necessary during 1962 to use the
provisions of the National Assistance Act or of the Amending Act (under
which both the Medical Officer of Health and his Deputy are empowered by
the Council to act in urgent cases) to secure the compulsory removal of
any aged persons.
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