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at Christmas time was arranged; and also the visiting by voluntary
helpers of the ailing and lonely in their homes. The Association also
provides a chiropody service for the elderly. Treatment can be obtained
at two clinics in the City, or at home. The charge is 2s. 6d. per treatment;
the balance of cost, which varies from 3s. 6d. to 6s. per treatment,
is borne by the Association.
The City Council, under powers conferred by the National Assistance
Act, 1948, makes an annual contribution to the funds of the Association.
In 1957 the Association agreed to a proposal by the City Council
to recruit on their staff a welfare worker witb the appropriate qualifications,
whose duties would include case-work with individual old people
and the co-ordination of services provided by the various statutory
authorities for the welfare of old people; duties which were formerly
carried out by a Public Health Inspector on the City Council's staff.
The welfare worker commenced duty in February, 1958, and the Council
reimburses the Association annually the salary and expenses of the
appointment, with the consent of the Minister of Housing and Local
Government, under Section 136 of the Local Government Act, 1948.
British Red Cross Society—Mobile Meals Service
The Westminster Division of the British Red Cross Society has
continued the service which it established in the City in December, 1946,
for the delivery to their homes of hot mid-day meals to aged people who
are unable themselves to prepare meals at home.
The service is operated with two vans provided by the City Council
and loaned to the Society. The Council also makes an annual grant to
the Society of 75 per cent, of the running costs of the vans.
The meals are obtained from a firm of caterers, and are placed in
individual containers and kept in heated chambers on the vans until
delivered at the homes of the old people. The meals cost Is. 6d. each,
and consist of meat, two vegetables and a sweet, or lighter diets for those
requiring them. The old people pay 8d. for the meal and the London
County Council bear the difference of lOd.
The number of meals delivered by the Society has continued to
increase, and in 1958 reached a record total of 14,939. This invaluable
service rendered by the Society and the voluntary helpers is much
appreciated by all concerned.
Luncheon Clubs
The Society, in March, 1957, opened a luncheon club for the elderly
in accommodation on one of the Council's Housing Estates, a second
luncheon club being opened in October, 1958, in City Council premises
in Monck Street. Both clubs operate on two days each week, and have
proved convenient centres where aged persons who are not housebound
can have a hot meal at a modest price, and enjoy the company of others.
(5442)
A 7