London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Southwark 1964

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southwark, Borough of]

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Generally the workshop is considered to have had a successful
year in so far as attendance with a steady flow of work can be
used as a gauge of achievement, the morale of all members remaining
at a high standard, coupled with a strong determination to
do the work given them to the best of their ability.
The list of potential candidates for workshops has, unfortunately,
had to be limited due to the present space shortage, but
it is hoped that with the need for future expansion in mind, the
Committee will remedy the existing situation on completion of the
Borough amalgamation.
DECORATING OLD PEOPLE' S ROOMS
During the past year a regular working team of young people
has been formed who are ready to undertake decorations in the
homes of old people where we feel that clean and bright atmosphere
will make a difference to their outlook and give them encouragement.
This team of about ten young men who work chiefly at
weekends, papering and painting. It often happens that a medical
social worker warns the office that an old lady will soon be
discharged from hospital and her room is known to be in need of
decorative repair which she herself is unable to finance.
Application is made to the National Assistance Board who is most
sympathetic and if possible a grant is made for the purchase of
materials. In this way the old lady comes back to a bright,
cheery room which does much to raise her spirits and generally
improve morale. In other cases the old person would like the
work done and can afford to pay for materials, but cannot find
the labour, and the same happy result is achieved. This is a
very worthwhile and rewarding task which is most appreciated by
the old people. We are very grateful to the young Civil Defence
members for giving up so much of their time.
Decorating is also being undertaken by some of the senior
boys of Dulwich College and we are most grateful for this gesture,
as indeed for all their generous help and support.
THE FRIDAY SOCIAL
From the original small group of twelve, the Friday Social
has grown to a party of thirty-two lonely and handicapped people
who are brought in every week to St. Alban's Hall. To arrange
the transport and entertainment of these old people, some of
whom are chair cases, needed much thought and organising. We
were fortunate enough to have the willing and skilful assistance
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