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Support was given to campaigns held on a National level including a Mental
Health Week held in June, sponsored by the National Association of Mental Health.
The London Boroughs of Lambeth, Wandsworth and Merton presented a combined
programme of films, talks and open days which aroused much interest throughout
the Boroughs.
A public safety exhibition was organised by the Council's Safety Officer in
November at Streatham Baths. The contribution of the Health Department was
"Safety in the Kitchen" and nursing staff and public health inspectors were in
attendance throughout.
Talks on a variety of subjects, using films, film strips, flannelgraphs and
displays were given to expectant mothers, mothers with young children, outside
groups, professional trainee groups and school children. These were attended by
approximately 3,300 people.
Concern at the increase of drug taking resulted in two lunch time film shows
being held in the Town Hall for nursing and medical staff, child care officers,
mental health social workers and teaching staff from the local senior schools
making a total attendance of 110.
Student dental hygienists from King's College Hospital Dental School commenced
dental health education in the nurseries to the 3 - 5 year olds.
In addition talks were given in two primary schools on sex education, and
discussions' were held at a College for Further Education on various health topics.
Despite the fact that considerable advances have been made in Food Hygiene
knowledge and practice, there is still a division of opinion between those members
of the public and some occupiers of food premises and their employees who are
convinced of the necessity to handle food with care, and those who do not seem to
worry about cleanliness.
Accordingly, the Health Committee decided to hold a Food Hygiene Publicity
Campaign during the year. The Public Relations Officer and his staff gave invaluable
assistance and advice on planning the Campaign, and the following media
was used:-
(a) 10,000 copies of a Booklet on Food Hygiene - issued in two parts - one
for the housewife and the other for traders and commercial food handlers.
Requests for copies of this were received from colleges, schools,
organisations and community associations from many parts of the country
outside the Borough following publicity by the B.B.C. on television, and
a reprint was necessary by the end of the year.
(b) Talks to schools and local organisations were given by the public health
inspectors, and many requests for talks were outstanding at the end of
the year.