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173
An average of some 25 persons were accommodated for five
days a week and the excellent atmosphere generated after its inception
led to an almost unbelievable improvement in the mental
condition of people participating. Successful integration of physically
handicapped with the mentally ill was achieved and justifies
the department's decision to press for further combined centres.
Patients at this Centre were transferred to either Federation or
Riverdale Combined Centre on 1st April, 1968.
Federation Combined Centre
Adapted as a Day Centre, this building, held by the Council on
an unexpired lease of 20 years, provides places for 60 persons.
It is the intention to utilise this establishment not only as a
combined centre to rehabilitate persons who are suffering or have
suffered from mental illness and physical handicaps but also,
eventually, to accommodate up to 20 senile persons for similar
purposes.
Inevitably some chronic cases will not respond but beneficial
effects will be felt by relatives who, from time to time, will be
relieved of their responsibilities when these cases attend the centre.
Suitable outwork has been obtained from local industry and
this consists mainly of contract work such as interwoven fencing,
scissor-racks, display frames, simple carding and display of
stationery supplies, etc. Repairs to the department's office furniture
and the making of aids for the physically handicapped is also
undertaken.
It is planned to introduce machines next year to assist in the
work when staff have been trained to instruct and supervise the
prospective operators.
Fares to and from the Centre are paid or transport is arranged,
patients are provided with a subvented midday meal and some
form of medical supervision is arranged.
Opportunity will be taken to utilize the Centre for evening club
and group activities.
Riverdale Combined Centre
Also established on 1st April, 1968, this Centre is adapted from
ground floor premises with easy access at 158a Plumstead High
Street, S.E.18.
Its purposes are similar to those of Federation Combined Centre
but caters for only 45 places. A number of the more severely
handicapped, previous at St. Saviour's Church Centre, Middle