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(c) a workshop where the exhibition pieces and visual aids, essential for the general publicity work of
the section, are made; and
(d) a combined office and studio for art work.
It will be seen that the technical facilities now offered as part of the health education service have
greatly expanded, and many methods which previously could not be applied, are now readily available to
departmental staff.
Disposable publicity material - leaflets, booklets, posters, etc. - have now been carefully catalogued,
and many hundred of pieces of printed matter are available for immediate despatch when required. In
addition, many new film strips have been acquired and converted into slide sets. This enables speakers to
select the slide content of any talks which they wish to give and allows them to edit to their own
satisfaction any standard talks which accompany film strips. A number of sound films have been added to
the film library, but one must always be cautious in the selection of this material as the content can often
date. This does not necessarily apply to the factual information, but to fashion styles and statistical
summaries.
Many other Council departments are now making use of the audio-visual aids which are held by the
health education service, as well as of slide and sound film projectors and the trained projectionists.
THE HEALTH EDUCATION ADVISORY PANEL
The panel, comprised of representatives of the department's medical staff, health visiting and other
nursing staff, inspectorate, social workers and administrative staff, continues to meet regularly to discuss the
furtherance of health education, and to view the new material which is constantly being produced both
nationally and within the department by the service. The following projects and campaigns were promoted
in addition to the general health education work during the year.
January — Winter Illness, Fire, Hypothermia.
February — Dental Health.
March — Prophylaxis.
April — Child Minding.
May — Infestation - Insects and Vermin.
June — Watch your Weight.
July — Summer Safety.
August — Preparation for School.
September — Smoking.
October — Fire Safety - Fireworks, Home Safety.
November — Winter Hazards - Safe Toys.
December — Good Neighbours.
Some of these topics arise regularly at certain times during the year. This, of course, is standard
practice and unless this continued surveillance is applied, the individual may tend to forget the hazards
which surround him.
The four areas to which health education should be directed have already been mentioned. The
expectant mother takes part in many of the health education activities which are presented at maternity and
child health clinics, and the health visitors and other nursing staff are constantly engaged in promoting
health in this field. In order to do this their work is backed by the resources of the service by means of
exhibitions, displays, and the provision of audio-visual aids, and sound film. After her delivery the mother
will still attend the welfare centre to take part in post-natal activities and join in the activities of the mothers'
club where she learns about the patterns of family life, and the best ways of utilising the amenities within
her environment. She thus learns not only the essentials of child rearing but how to prepare her children for
entry into school.
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