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49
LAMBETH OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE ASSOCIATION
I am indebted to the. Chairman and Members of the Executive Committee of
the Lambeth Old People's Welfare Association for allowing me to include the
following report on the activities of the Association.
It should be noted that the Association's year covers the period from 1st
April, 1961 to 31st March, 1962 and therefore does not co-incide strictly with the
Petiod covered by my Annual Report.
REPORT OF ASSOCIATION
The success of an old people's welfare organisation must be judged not only
by its service but by whether these are known to, and used by, those who need
help. It is, therefore, encouraging to be able to report that during the year under
review 1,885 new people became known to the Association of whom 566 called at
the office for help or advice. At the same time further contact was made with
4,986 people already known to the Association, a considerably larger number
than in the previous year. The problems to be dealt with appear unlimited and
range from simple tasks like witnessing a signature or helping to fill in a census
form to negotiating with a landlord to prevent an eviction or trying to persuade
somebody to take a more positive attitude towards their problems. It is most
important that help be sought before situations have developed beyond solution
and this will only happen if the work of the Association is widely known and
trusted.
Visiting
Establishing personal contact with old people is one of the best ways of
advertising the work of the Association and making sure that those who need
help will know where to turn. It is always a source of great encouragement to
hear a caller at the office say "the lady who called to see me sometime ago said
that if I was ever in difficulty I should come here". Asking for help from a
Person one has met or who has been recommended by a friend or neighbour is
easier than approaching an impersonal organisation. The Executive Committee's
decision to appoint a part time clerk typist in the office will enable other members
of the staff to spend more time on visiting.
Another equally important aspect of visiting is that done by voluntary
Workers who "adopt" lonely old people and visit them regularly. One or two
hours a week used in this way can give satisfaction and pleasure to giver and
receiver quite out of proportion to the time spent. The Association cannot adequately
express its gratitude to all the people who do this work, and a special
Word of thanks must be given to those individuals who during this year have for
the first time offered the Association their services.