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283
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.
In addition to the continuing activity in this field the following
new ventures were initiated
(a) Lifting Course
Two one-day sessions were held for staff of the Department
on correct methods of lifting and handling. The services of a
two-man team employed by the Port of London Authority were
engaged who demonstrated the basic principles of lifting and
portering heavy objects. Both sessions were /extremely well
attended, and much valuable information obtained by the
participants.
(b) "Note Your Home Accident"
It is an observed fact that many families who suffer a home
accident are extremely likely to have a second or subsequent
accident within a two-year period following the first.
In order to encourage thought and care amongst "prone"
families, a simple accident record leaflet with the above title was
devised for general distribution through local hospitals, general
practitioners' surgeries, and at home safety programmes and
exhibitions.
Campaigns and Exhibitions
In addition to the monthly campaign projects, the following
special activities were carried out.
(a) Mental Health Week
In 1968, the last of the triennial series of Mental Health Weeks
was mounted. By way of local support to the national campaign
oDen days were arranged at mental health training centres and
combined occupation centres in the Borough. Photographic
displays were mounted at all centres for the information of
visitors.
Through the kind co-operation of three large, local Depart—
mental Stores, extensive displays were mounted highlighting
the problems of the mentally disordered. Being sited where the
public naturally congregate proved to be more effective than a
separate exhibition of interest only to the enlightened and to
which a special journey would have to be made.