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(iii) Temporary Accommodation
Plans have proceeded for the eventual replacement of Battersea Bridge
Buildings where about 60 families are accommodated. It is hoped alternative
accommodation will be ready by the end of 1970 or early in 1971.
A great deal of social work has been done in an effort to help the
families and there is no doubt that this is by far the most difficult type
of work undertaken by the Welfare Services staff. There is a very close
link with all other social work agencies concerned with the families, including
Children's, Health, Housing, Probation, School Care, I.L.E.A.,
Family Welfare Association, the N.S.P.C.C. and many other voluntary bodies
interested in this work.
Approximately 70 families were in the various units and the resident
staff have had a particularly difficult task and their tolerance and understanding
have gone a long way to helping towards the satisfactory results
which were achieved in some of the cases.
(iv) Mother and Baby Units
By arrangement with other local authorities, temporary accommodation
was provided for a number of unmarried mothers or mothers-to-be, and social
work support given to help with the many problems arising.
Domiciliary Services
It is estimated that there are approximately 28,000 persons of pensionable
age or over residing in the Borough and at any one time about 10% of
these will be receiving domiciliary services from the local authority. A
number may well receive several of the services at the same time.
The main services included:(i)
Meals
The number of meals provided has continued to rise throughout the year
and approximately 1,350 meals a day were provided. Of these about 850 went
to elderly people in their own homes and about 450 to those attending the
13 luncheon clubs which are situated in various parts of the Borough and
vary in attendance from 15 to 70 persons. About 100 meals were provided each
day for the City of Westminster under an agency arrangement for persons
residing in the Western end of the Borough.
Approximately 100 invalid meals were also delivered and were provided
under Health Powers.
This large daily operation involved no fewer than 19 vehicles and 36
staff, mainly drivers and servers, and much depended on the speed and
efficiency with Which they carried out their duties in all weathers. Delay
at any stage of the preparation of the meal or its delivery to the old people
can affect them considerably as they have come to rely on it. There is no
doubt that this is a very valuable service and ensures that a large number of
elderly people, the majority of whom have only basic state pensions and
allowances, receive a good hot meal each day.
In addition those who attend the luncheon clubs can find companionship
which would otherwise often be lacking.
It is hoped that when financial considerations permit, there will be
further expansion of both the domiciliary meals and luncheon club facilities
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