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161
as is practicable, the intermingling of persons with differing
handicaps. These establishments provide members with facilities
not only for training and adjustment but also for pastime activities,
handicrafts, etc., and with opportunities for social contact with
others of similar disability and with similar interests. In this way,
the clubs make an invaluable contribution towards the social
rehabilitation of members. Tuition and help in diversionary
occupation is provided for those unable to enjoy these benefits.
Social Rehabilitation Centre, Ormiston Road
Open the whole week, this Centre provides eight half-day
sessions for the physically handicapped and one full-day (Tuesday)
for the partially sighted, with a midday meal for all attending.
Some persons arrive on foot or by public transport but most
have to rely upon the Council's special coaches or Invacars for
their attendance. Some 120 people are catered for each week.
Since the introduction of Combined Centres the tendency for the
elderly handicapped to concentrate at this establishment persists
and is likely to continue until sufficient special transport can be
made available to enable them to take advantage of the Day
Centres for the elderly.
The recent appointment of a full-time Centre Supervisor has
been effective in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of
the facilities at this establishment.
There is a constant waiting list for places at this Centre.
Eltham Club
Primarily for registered blind persons, this club meets each
Monday afternoon in the Sherard Hall at Eltham. During the
year, the average weekly attendance was 18.
Minor Hall, Greenwich
This club is for persons who are blind or deaf and meetings are
held every Thursday afternoon. As in 1969, the average weekly
attendance during the current year was 23.
Combined Day Centres (see also page 178)
Mixing the physically handicapped and the mentally ill is an
experiment which has proved most successful, for the readiness
of these persons with differing handicaps to assist each other has
resulted in substantial mutual benefit. Advantages accruing from