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HEALTH EDUCATION AND HOME SAFETY
Giving a lead to local authorities in Britain in the provision of a continuous programme
of health education "Design For Living", a permanent Exhibition was opened at 2—6 Fulham
Broadway, S.W.6, on February 22, 1966, by the Minister of Health, the Rt. Hon. Kenneth Robinson,
M.P. Presented in modern media, utilising three Exhibition Halls and Bijou Theatre, "Design
For Living" tells the story of life from pre-birth to declining years and offers up-to-the-minute
concepts on good health, demonstrating the influences of personal, social, welfare and enviromental
factors. Modern display techniques provide for photographs, charts, models and animated
units, with over 200 national research and technological associations, manufacturers and trade
associations taking part. Whilst the theme remains constant, the content is subject to frequent
change.
The Exhibition is open on Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at other times
for group visits. Admission is free. "Design For Living" is closely linked with all Departments
of the Health and Welfare Services, offering support to Clinics, Welfare Centres and Information
Offices in furtherance of national and local campaigns. Some measure of the success of this
unique venture may be gauged from the fact that the average weekly attendance includes 500
visitors from schools, polytechnics and teacher training colleges, as well as from national societies
and local organisations. During the year there have been special visits by international
leaders in health education.
Of the many Borough campaigns during the year mention must be made of the Mental
Health Campaign (June 6—16) staged in conjunction with the National Association for Mental
Health and the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children, for which the Health Education
Officer designed two special posters which attracted considerable attention. Examples of
psychotic and schizophrenic art, and illustrations of mental healing through the ages proved
exciting features. The "Design For Living" Film Theatre staged a Festival and, during the ten
days, more than 1,000 visitors came to it.
Special emphasis on Water Safety was provided from June 17 to September 1 and included
the display of a swimming pool, a sailing dinghy built by schoolboys, aqua suits and water
safety equipment. A special feature was that of demonstrations given by the Royal Life Saving
Society at Lime Grove and North End Road Baths at peak public sessions. A Water Safety Float
won first prize at the Fulham Carnival, and the Campaign ended with the Hammersmith Show at
which a 24 ft. motor cruiser made an impressive exhibit.
The third major Campaign of the year, for which the Health Committee made a special
allocation, provided the most intensive drive undertaken by the local authority to combat the
growing incidence of Venereal Disease and Sexual Infections, with special emphasis on providing
education for young people. From October 1 to December 15 display units at the "Design For
Living" Exhibition attracted visits by almost all schools in the Borough and, indeed, drew
large audiences from many parts of Britain. A series of lectures was provided for women's organisations,
teachers and management executives by Dr. J.L. Fluker, Physician-in-Charge of the
Martha and Luke Clinics at West London Hospital. Six films were shown to illustrate causes,
symptoms, consequences and treatment. All youth organisations and schools were included in the
distribution of literature. For this Campaign five posters were designed by the Health Education
Service and, of these, a double crown poster with the simple message "V.D. Don't Take the
Risk" was considered to be the most effective propaganda effort. There was a national demand
for copies. In addition two special leaflets were produced — "Facts you should know about
venereal disease and sexual infections" written by Dr. J.L. Fluker, and "You and sex" compiled
by the Health Education Officer. Over 250 bill-posting sites in the Borough made use of
Campaign posters. The Directors of Fulham Football Club co-operated so that information on
venereal infections could be included in Club programmes, and these reached a total audience of
over 75,000.
During the year there were 37 special Borough Window Displays, and the Management of
the Regal Cinema, Walham Green, co-operated by providing foyer space for Borough Campaign
exhibits.
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