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Meanwhile, in order to overcome this difficulty, 12 of the
trainees are working temporarily at 6, St. John's Park. This has
enabled them to work at simple carpentry, an activity which was not
possible at the Blackwall Lane Centre. They have been able to repair
wooden furniture for the Council, make wooden bases for basketwork,
etc., used by the physically handicapped at Ormiston Road
and fashion coffee tables from materials obtained from old wardrobes.
It is hoped that orders for such articles as table tennis bats,
etc., will be obtained from the Greater London Council Supplies
Department.
Aided by voluntary helpers ,the staff of this centre continue to be
responsible for the Evening Social Club held weekly at the Park
Vista Training Centre which caters not only for trainees from the
Park Vista and Blackwall Centres but also for other resident subnormal
adults. As well as table tennis, ten-pin bowling, rounders,
hockey and dancing the activities include football, cricket, badminton
and physical education. Average attendances at this club range
from 25 to 30 each evening.
Recently, parties of these boys and girls have been taken into
the country for weekend camps under canvas. This has proved to be
not only worthwhile but very popular.
Knoyle Street Centre
There are 17 Greenwich boys attending this Centre which is
held in a Church Hall and is under the control of the London
Borough of Lewisham. Woodwork, basket making, etc., are the
main activities and, more recently, work involved in dismantling
telephones has been obtained from the Post Office. Boys are conveyed
to and from the centre by public transport under the supervision
of paid guides.
Ministry of Labour
There is normal co-operation with the local Disablement
Resettlement and Youth Employment Officers who, unfortunately
with little success, endeavour to place into employment subnormals
who, perforce, must therefore remain in the care of the Mental
Health Service. It would appear that more favourable results are
obtained by the direct approach to employers for as problems arise
they can be brought immediately to our notice.
Holidays
A scheme to provide an organised holiday at St. Mary's Bay
Holiday Camp, Dymchurch, for trainees from centres had the support
of other London Boroughs and during May, 38 trainees from the
Maze Hill, Park Vista and Blackwall Training Centres attended.
By such a scheme it is intended to cater for those trainees who