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82
Parcels for Elderly Persons
The Borough Council authorised the expenditure of £100 on Christinas gift parcels,
and it was possible to make a distribution to about a hundred elderly folk. The health
officers recommended suitable recipients and delivery was arranged by the Islington
Old People's Welfare Council.
Islington Work Centre for the Elderly
This is another social venture which has now become firmly established in
Islington. Numbers attending the sessions have increased and the workroom is usually
full to capacity, providing part-time employment for between 85 and 90 persons, each
working five half-day sessions per week. The Centre is sited at the Elizabeth Whitelaw
Reid Club, Cloudesley Street, N.1., and Miss K.D. Lane Centre Organiser, is responsible
for the day-to-day business, while the Centre is run under the direction of a SubCommittee
of the Old People's Welfare Council. Generally speaking, sufficient out-work
was provided by application to local firms, and the old people were able to reach a high
standard of efficiency in carrying out the various tasks.
As well as giving them an added interest, a small monetary reward and an opportunity
of meeting other elderly folk, the Work Centre is fulfilling a valuable purpose in helping
to maintain in these retired people a sense of usefulness in the community.
Chiropody
The financial responsibility for this service, as reported last year, has now
passed to the London County Council, but the local administration and appointments
system are dealt with by the Islington Old People's Welfare Council, who run nine
weekly sessions and make appointments for approximately 72 persons each week. In
additior 550 infirm persons received treatment in their own homes.