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(xiii) The Deaf
There are about 150 deaf persons in the Borough and these have received services through
the Royal Association for the Deaf and Dumb, who act as agents for local authorities in the London
area. There is an excellent Social Centre and Church in Old Oak Road and many of our dfcaf
attend the various activities.
(xiv) The Deaf-Blind
The deaf-blind are probably the most disabled group. Just try and picture for one moment
what it mean s to live in a world of darkness and silence. It is a terrifying t^ougjit and yet the
deaf-blind often succeed in getting quite a lot of pleasure out of life. The Welfare Officer was
pleased to be able to start the Club for the Deaf-Blind in January. It has been held in one of the
lounges at " Westway Park" on Wednesday afternoons and a small group of 6 or 7 deaf-blind men
and women have met and, with the aid of " Guides' who communicate by means of finger spelling,
have enjoyed some very pleasant social afternoons.
It is hoped to expand the service into a full " Guide help* service during 1968. Volunteer
guides will be trained to communicate and will then be able to act as companions to the deafblind.
Their help will include letter writing, conversation, shopping, outings, recreation, taking to
church and similar things which are taken for granted by those of us who are fortunate enough to
have all our faculties.
Although the number of deaf-blind is fortunately very small, only about 10 persons, it is a
very worthwhile service and enables them to lead a fuller life-
C. Miscellaneous Services
(i) Protection of Property
Responsibility was accepted for protecting the moveable property of a number of persons
admitted to hospital or Residential Homes and who were unable to act for themselves and had no
responsible relative willing to undertake the duty. This duty involves the taking of inventories,
arranging for the care of pets, notifying gas and electricity companies,the police and other interested
persons, that the department is acting for the person concerned. Attention is given to
correspondence and periodic visits made to the residence to ensure safe custody. In certain cases
storage of furniture was arranged and sometimes with the consent of the owne r,the sale or disposal
of effects. Over 200 cases have been assisted since 1965.
(ii) Receiverships
At the request of the Court of Protection, the Welfare Officer acts as Receiver in cases
where persons are in a Psychiatric Hospital, or Home, and are incapable of managing their affairs.
At the present time there are 12 such cases.
Assistance has also been given in dealing with the estates of deceased persons where there
is no other person to act.
(iii) Supportive Service
Although it is provided by the Health Committee, the Welfare Service continued to be a very
large user of the Home Help Service which was of tremendous value to a large number of elderly
persons in the Borough.
The Chiropody Service has been extensively used by elderly people. Treatment is given
both in their own homes, at the various Clinics, and in Residential Homes which the chiropodist
visi ts at regular intervals.
(iv) Liaison with Voluntary Bodies
In accordance with Council policy, a close liaison has been kept with the many voluntary
bodies in the Borough which have a particular interest in those persons who are also the main
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