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Meals.
Early in the year it was decided that all mobile meals should be covered with foil for
hygienic reasons and to prevent the spilling of gravy and custard. Some 1,200 mobile and luncheon
club meals, including invalid meals, are delivered daily 5 days a week. 100 of these are distributed
in the Paddington area on behalf of the City of Westminster. This valuable service has
steadily expanded, as will be seen by the following daily deliveries:-
1.4.65. 31.12.66.
Mobile Invalid 291 128
Ordinary 271 641
Luncheon Clubs 220 392
Luncheon Clubs/Day Centres.
There are now 11 Luncheon Clubs. One opened only on three days weekly, but was
closed in June, 1966. Three new clubs have been established. One of these, a Social and Luncheon
Club, has proved particularly popular and there are more applicants than can be accommodated.
Social activities provided in the Day Centres/Luncheon Clubs are very popular, and provide
warmth, food and companionship for many local residents.
Protection of Property
Under Section 48 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the Council has a responsibility
to protect the property of anyone admitted to hospital or to residential accommodation if no relative
is able or willing to undertake this. During the year 121 such cases were handled.
Receiverships.
The Mental Health Act, 1959, empowers the Court of Protection to appoint a Receiver to
administer the affairs of persons who, by reason of mental disorder, are not able to manage their
own business. The Court may appoint as Receiver an Officer of a Local Authority if there is no
relative able or willing to accept this responsibility. In this Borough the Welfare Officer acts as
Receiver in such cases, and was responsible for 12 of these during 1966.
Voluntary Help Service.
Until November, 1966, Task Force worked in the Borough in co-operation with the
Council. This arrangement was terminated when Task Force withdrew, and the organisation of
voluntary work was then taken over by the social workers of the Welfare Service. A large and
growing number of young people undertake visiting of the lonely, do their shopping, gardening and
weekend cooking; and decorate rooms. It is confidently expected that the number of voluntary
helpers from schools, youth clubs, and other organisations will increase; and that a greater
number of elderly and other deserving persons will benefit.
The Ten-Year Plan.
Because of financial stringency some of the projects outlined in the Ten-Year Plan have
had to be deferred, but they have not been abandoned. The Plan is due for reconsideration next
year, when the order of priorities may be adjusted. The major considerations are to replace the
former public assistance institutions with more modern accommodation; to expand the domiciliary
services for the old, handicapped and blind; and to open further training units to rehabilitate
homeless families.
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