View report page

Health Education Service
As the Cohen Report points out "The. content of health education comprises both giving information and persuading those concerned to take appropriate action on it." The Borough Health
Education Service ensures this continuous process by the inception of major Campaigns and by the
appropriate use of "Reminders."
The "Design for Living" permanent Health Education Exhibition has again proved a focal
point, with regular group attendances averaging 500 a week visiting the extensive displays at 2-6
Fulham Broadway, S.W.6. An exciting new development has been that of "Projects" undertaken by
students in health, home, and water safety topics, including examinations in the Duke of Edinburgh
Award Scheme. Several local organisations have taken advantage of facilities available for group
visits during evenings, when both lecture and film contributions on selected subjects have been
appreciated.
Six major Campaigns catered for Dental Care, Foot Health, Mental Health, Water Safety,
Buy for Safety, and Drug Recognition. For Mental Health Week in June emphasis was on the psychiatric careers and a noteworthy display was opened at the "Design for Living" Exhibition by the Lady
Norman, C.B.E., J.P., Vice-Chairman, Management Council, National Association for Mental Health.
The Water Safety Campaign provided a very topical theme - that of the epic voyage around
the world of Sir Francis Chichester in Gipsy Moth IV. Over 8,000 persons attended in the first
month! Some 40 organisations contributed and, by courtesy of the International Wool Secretariat, it
was possible to display items of clothing actually worn by Sir Francis Chichester; bales of wool
carried aboard Gipsy Moth IV; and there was also a complete pictorial record of the voyage. Large
photographs included the interior of the vessel, clearly indicating the many essential safety factors incorporated in modern craft. A "Build-it-yourself" dinghy kit also aroused considerable interest.
In connection with the RoSPA Golden Jubilee Year "Stop Accidents" Campaign, the Borough
provided a three-month effort which dealt with home safety factors - oil heaters (with special demonstrations
at a Fulham Old Town Hall Exhibition); gas and electrical appliances; non-flam clothing;
and a unique Toy Fair staged in co-operation with the British Toy Manufacturers' Association members. The Borough designed "Buy Safe - Buy Here" display card was prominently featured in many
local shops, and the RoSPA Safety Slogan Competition received full support.
Without doubt, however, the outstanding Campaign was that concerned with combatting the
abuse of drugs, particularly among young persons. On November 2 a Symposium was provided by
several of Britain's acknowledged experts in this difficult subject; and over 200 delegates from
the London Boroughs and from national and local associations attended. In December "Educating
the Educators" was furthered by a special seminar devoted to health education media and the
Campaign development was assured with a programme extending well into 1968.
For the first time in Britain a special Drug Recognition Display Unit was evolved by the
Health Education Officer; and this described the uses and abuses of drugs, provided Home Office
statistics, lists of available services of the Ministry of Health and of the local authority, as well as
advising on drug literature. Following favourable reception at the Symposium the display was installed at the "Design for Living" Exhibition to be viewed by several thousand teachers, students,
professional workers, and the public.
A Borough-designed poster entitled "Get Addicted to Living...the Healthy Don't Need Drugs"
attracted national attention, as also a "Chain of Treatment" presentation.
All Campaigns again included the massive circularisation of schools, youth clubs, welfare
centres, and information offices, as well as Borough window exhibits.
With introduction of British Standard 3300, forbidding the sale or re-sale of oil heaters or
parts not complying with the Standard,a letter from the Medical Officer of Health and Director of
Social Services was sent to all local organisations likely to run fetes or jumble sales: and this personal communication of helpful advice resulted in a co-operative and immediate compliance with
the requirements in the interest of home safety. Leaflets in five languages again proved helpful to
the immigrant population.
74