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109
the end of the year when Home Helps were scarce in one area of
the borough.
At the end of the year there was the equivalent of 295 full
time Home Helps employed and an analysis of the services rendered
during 1966 is given below:—
Type of Case No.
Aged 65 years or over on 1st Visit in 1966 2,928
Aged under 65 years on 1st Visit in 1966
Chronic Sick and Tuberculous 282
Mentally Disordered 23
Maternity 207
Others 254
766
Total Cases 3,694
Family Aids—A pilot scheme was commenced during the year
whereby home helps, designated 'family aids' were attached to
family caseworkers employed to give intensive help to families who,
for various reasons, were unable to benefit from the normal supportive
social services. This innovation has been very successful and
warrants further extension.
Home Help Course—A one week's course of talks, films,
discussions and demonstrations was arranged for 15 home helps
during May, 1966. This was very much appreciated by home helps
and further courses are planned.
Child Help Courses—The first course for child helps was held in
April, 1966, when eleven selected home helps spent a week at the
Health and Welfare Department and attended a course of lectures,
films and discussions. A second group of eleven attended a similar
course in October. Of these 22 trained child helps, seventeen were
still working in the Borough in December, 1966.
It is planned that they should have a one day refresher course
early in 1967. Besides gaining knowledge these women have come
to feel themselves part of the Borough and part of a very important
service. They have benefited greatly from meeting and talking to
senior members of staff, who call on them for help. The venture as a
whole has proved very well worthwhile.
Altogether 48 families have been helped and the number of
children involved was 171. It seems fair to say that the break-up of
these families, with children being received into care, has been
prevented.