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Additional Information Service
A small publication entitled "TOPIC" serves as a guide to the
general public on specific health aspects.
Produced at irregular intervals the issues, where possible, will
follow a regular format and are intended to give views, offer
information and history, provide statistics, weigh up the value of
publicity material and visual aids, list relevant bibliography and
lighten the effect with appropriate anecdotes.
Before the end of the Autumn term, two editions had been circulated, one on "Drug Addiction" and the other on "Foot Health".
First reactions from these new ventures indicate that they are
likely to be used with considerable enthusiasm by local teachers.
Home Safety
Part of the special activities of the Health Education Service is
the prevention and reduction of home accidents. Continuous
emphasis is given to this problem throughout the year and films on
home safety are often included in programmes devoted mainly to
other aspects of health education. Courses are run, especially for
candidates for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, and talks
on the subject are included in the "in-service" training of Home and
Child Helps. A proportion of the programmes to local organisations
is devoted exclusively to this serious problem. Visits are made by
the Home Safety Officer in cases of complaint and reports are
furnished on his findings. Displays, emergency resuscitation
sessions and other publicity measures are carried out.
An innovation during the year was the institution of a scheme,
operated in conjunction with the Boroughs of Southwark and
Lewisham, of the reporting, by victims of home accidents, of
circumstances leading to the mishap. Report Forms are distributed
through the agencies of local hospitals and general practitioners
and the three Boroughs concerned have agreed to operate a
"transfers in" and "transfers out" system to ensure accurate
returns and to increase the size of the catchment area. Comment
on the success of the scheme is not yet possible owing to its very
recent inception.
Safety in the Home Exhibition
A Home Safety Exhibition was staged for two weeks during
October/November at the Town Hall at Woolwich in support of
the "Golden Jubilee Year" of the Royal Society for the Prevention
of Accidents. The exhibition covered the areas of the Public Hall
and Foyer whilst the stage was used as a film theatre. Many
national and local exhibitors participated and a professional
presentation, much appreciated by visitors, was achieved.