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117
Rehabilitation of Mothers
On occasions mothers become anxious about breast feeding
difficulties or are confronted with infant dietetic troubles. In suitable
cases arrangements can be made for mothers of young children to
be sent (with or without their children) to a recuperative centre for
a residential course in mothercraft. For these purposes the Council
makes use of the Violet Melchett Mothercraft Unit and the normal
period of training ranges from four to six weeks. A weekly charge is
made according to the financial circumstances of the parents.
Mothers' Clubs
Two Child Welfare Centres provided facilities for mothers to
meet and, with help from the health visitors, arrangements were
made for speakers to attend and films to be shown on health topics.
Recently, because of demand, one of these centres has started a
sewing class.
At the 33 sessions held during the year there was a total attendance
of 505 at these two clubs.
Four other such clubs called 'Home Advice Groups' are organised
by the Greenwich Council of Social Service, two of these also
being held at Borough Welfare Centres.
Co-ordinating Committee
This Committee was established to initiate a policy of ensuring
that full use is made of the preventive and other services, both
statutory and voluntary, to avoid the break-up of families and to
prevent the neglect or ill-treatment of children. It consists of representatives
from the appropriate branches of the Council's Health
and Welfare, Housing and Children's Departments, the I.L.E.A.
and the Housing Department of the G.L.C. When necessary,
representatives of other statutory or voluntary bodies are invited
to attend.
Included among matters discussed at its meetings during 1966
were those of the Social Aid Scheme of the G.L.C. Housing Department;
problems arising on certain estates; the proposed development
of Thamesmead; and gas and electricity debts.
Family Caseworkers and Family Aids—The year 1966 saw a
pilot scheme started whereby a new type of home help designated a
'Family Aid' was employed. The family aid is attached to the family
caseworkers who are employed to give intensive help to families
who, for various reasons, are unable to benefit from the normal
supporting social services. The family aid is supported by the caseworkers
and helps to relieve them of some of their simpler tasks
such as floor scrubbing, child minding and teaching mothers simple
household skills. This innovation has been very successful especially