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21
The Westminster Old People's Welfare Association.
This Association formed in 1948 continued its activities for the welfare
of aged persons in the City. These activities include eight Old People's
clubs in different parts of the City where recreation and light refreshments
are provided. Two of these clubs are organised by the W.V.S.,
one by the British Red Cross Society, and another at St. Martin-in-theFields
in co-operation with the Association. Holidays at seaside resorts
are provided for the aged as well as summer outings, Christmas parties,
and other entertainments. A library service is provided by the City
Librarian. The chiropody service provided by the Association has
proved of immense benefit to the old people who are affected with foot
troubles. The Association have arrangements with two clinics in
different parts of the City where the aged can attend for treatment, and
home treatment is arranged for those who are home bound. The charge
to the elderly patients varies from 1s. per foot per treatment to 2s., the
balance of cost which varies from 3s. to 6s. per treatment is borne by
the Association.
Under the provisions of the National Assistance Act, 1948, a local
authority may make contributions to the funds of any voluntary
organisation whose activities consist in or include provision of recreation
or meals for old people. The City Council under this authority make an
annual grant to the Association and office accommodation is provided
for them in the Public Health Department.
British Red Cross Society—Mobile Meals Service.
The Westminster Division of the British Red Cross Society has
continued this service which it established in the City in 1945 for the
delivery to their homes of hot mid-day meals to aged people who are
themselves unable to prepare meals of this sort.
The service is operated with two vans provided by the City Council
and loaned to the Society. The City Council also makes a grant to
the Society of 75 per cent. of the running costs of the vans.
During the year the Council explored the possibility of establishing
an Invalid Kitchen in Westminster where meals could be prepared on
prescribed diets for aged persons and for others on invalid diets for
consumption where the food is prepared or for delivery to the elderly
at their homes. Consultations with the London County Council, the
British Red Cross Society and the Westminster Old People's Welfare
Association took place but in the result it was found that the cost of
preparation, transport and other overhead charges would be relatively
high and the proportion to be paid by the recipients beyond their means.
It appeared also that even further expense would arise because of the
special equipment for the vans necessary for the delivery of different
individual meals to the homes of those for whom they were prescribed.
It was considered that on simpler lines greater variety could be
obtained in the meals delivered to the old people by the use of individual
containers. The London County Council having agreed to co-operate