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on 11th, 13th and 14th December, respectively. In all, some 455
persons attended these services after which refreshments were
provided by voluntary organisations.
Mayor's Fund
During the winter emergency, supplies of bagged fuel were issued
to necessitous old people who were without heating. The fuel was
purchased by the Department with the aid of a generous grant from
the Mayor's fund.
Christmas Parcels and Gifts
Distribution of the Mayor's 1,100 Christmas parcels, the contents
of which were determined on department advice, was again effected
by a rota of volunteers.
Other organisations were concerned in the giving and delivery
of a further 340 parcels and gifts of money and there were 12 x
1 cwt. bags of fuel donated for needy elderly persons.
A small manufacturing firm in the Eltham area gave a Christmas
party for 70 old people in the vicinity of their premises and this
department organised the transport.
Observers
Services provided in this Borough for the elderly are attracting
observers from many sources and representatives of interested
organisations have been welcomed and given every opportunity
to study our services.
Advantage is also taken of our services by Health Visitors and
Hospital Students in accordance with their various curricula.
Voluntary Help & Friendly Visiting, etc.
The Department maintains contact with a number of voluntary
organisations and individual volunteers who are prepared to carry
out services for elderly and handicapped people. These services
include visiting, grass cutting, gardening, decorating, driving,
escorting, mending, shopping, hairdressing, changing library books,
etc. Friendly visits are made by approximately 250 voluntary
visitors who report directly to the Department. In addition, church,
school and other voluntary groups participate in the visiting scheme.
The Department receives much useful information from the
visitors, who are able to report should anything be amiss.