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Places are made available to suitable persons from anywhere in inner London
and only a minority of the residents are from Lewisham addresses. Selection is
carried out by a Medical Officer, a social worker and the hostel warden. They interview
individuals recommended for admission in hospital, or at the hostel. Those
who are accepted are encouraged to obtain employment and the possibility of being
able to do this within a short time is regarded as being of great advantage. In April
a mental health officer was attached to the hostel to carry out social work. Towards
the end of the year it was found necessary to allocate another officer to share this
work.
During 1965 57 persons (13 re-admissions) were accepted having been referred
from 23 hospitals. 47 individuals left the hostel and eight of these were considered
fully recovered. There were forty four persons in residence at the year end.
To provide much needed information on the effect of living in the hostel and the
type of person most likely to benefit, a detailed statistical record of progress, observed
at regular intervals has been instituted.
Considerable difficulty was found in filling the vacancy for Deputy Warden early
in the year. The accommodation was unsatisfactory for a married man and towards
the end of the year improvements to provide a self-contained flat, were being carried
out.
Two mentally ill persons requiring residential accommodation but unsuitable
for the hostel were placed in approved homes run by voluntary organisations. On
December 31st 1965, a total of 14 such persons were being maintained by the Council.
At the beginning of the year a small day centre was opened for up to 19 chronic
mentally ill persons on 3 half days each week. From March this centre was open for
five whole days weekly. The premises however were most unsatisfactory and in June
new premises were found where up to 40 individuals can be accommodated. A
second day centre for up to 30 people was opened in November. These are mainly
accepted on the recommendation of a psychiatrist and the aim is to assist in the
process of rehabilitation.
Day time occupation normally takes the form of simple industrial out work and
those who take part receive a nominal daily payment of 2s. Free mid-day meals
are also provided and travelling expenses refunded. Regular reports on the progress
of persons attending the centre are submitted to referring agencies.
Social Clubs
Members of the mental health team organise two social clubs (one shared with the
London Borough of Greenwich) which aim to provide contacts and interests for
those who are socially isolated, and to help them to gain confidence.
These have a preventive as well as a rehabilitative function and each club meets
on one evening in the week.
Four seaside outings were arranged, other visits to places of interest and entertainments
being provided by local organisations and individuals.
Since September patients from Bexley Hospital have been invited to one of the
clubs once a month. The Hospital Management Committee provide a coach for this
most successful experiment which it is hoped to make a permanent arrangement.
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