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represented on the Committee for resale to the aged attending their
clubs, at a price considerably less than the normal retail price.
These Nutritional Supplements have proved very popular with the aged
and considerable quantities have been sold to them.
(d) Sheltered Employment:
The scheme inaugurated as an experiment in 1951, to provide
sheltered employment of those of the elderly,who are unable to continue
in normal employment,and yet are able to undertake suitable light work
for 2 hours daily, has continued to play an important role in the
provisions made for this group of the community. It is administered by
a special voluntary organisation known as the Finsbury Employment Scheme
for the Elderly, and has received generous support from the Council.
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.
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.
As a result of the passing of the National Assistance (Amendment)
Act 1962, the Borough Council resolved that as from the 1st April 1964
the Finsbury Employment Scheme for the Elderly should be run directly
by the Council instead of as previously by Grant aid through the Voluntary
Organisation at present administering it.
(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.
34.