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43
D. Proceedings under Section 12 of the Housing
Act, 1936:—
(1) Number of separate tenements or underground
rooms in respect of which Closing
Orders were made 75
(2) Number of separate tenements or underground
rooms in respect of which Closing
Orders were determined, the tenement or
room having been rendered fit Nil
WELFARE OF THE AGED.
It is gratifying to note that Miss Mary Morris, the Organising
Secretary of the Southwark Old People's Welfare Committee, in
her Annual Report has been able to claim considerable and
encouraging progress in her difficult task, mainly as a result of
increased financial support and generous help from the Council,
voluntary workers, local organisations and individuals in the
Borough.
The former Navillus Civic Restaurant has been converted
into a congenial luncheon club for old people, supplying up to 160
meals daily, with comfortable amenities for a Social Club
and Library. Meals on Wheels have been extended to provide
a service four days a week, and up to the end of the year under
review, 1,170 meals have been sent to housebound old people,
in addition to 943 to the Women's Voluntary Service. Plans are
being made to increase this service further to cope with the
increase in demand.
Through the generosity of Mr. N. Howard Tertis, F.C.Ch.,
L.Ch., who has given his services free, a monthly Chiropody Clinic
was commenced during the year. It is hoped to acquire more
suitable premises, and to increase the sessions to weekly intervals.
Parties, outings and other social functions have been arranged,
also a fortnight's holiday at Broadstairs, part of the cost
of which was paid by the old people themselves through a savings
scheme. It is, however, hoped that by means of a National
Assistance Act grant, the holiday scheme can be extended to
include those who need a rest and change on medical grounds,
but who are unable to afford a contribution.
At the same time the needs of the housebound and handicapped
who may not be able to participate in these pleasures are
not being overlooked in future plans. Nearly 400 aged sick
persons were referred to this Committee by hospitals, doctors,
district nurses, etc., and all were visited by the Organising
Secretary, and efforts made to assist them as necessary. Voluntary
visitors have given invaluable help in visiting both the
sick and the many old people who are deprived of companionship
through being unable to leave their homes.