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where light refreshments and recreation are provided; arranging holidays
at seaside resorts, summer outings, Christmas parties, and other
entertainments. Special outings and parties were organised during the
year for handicapped old people, many of whom by reason of their
infirmities, had not been outside their homes for long periods. The
distribution of gift parcels at Christmas time was arranged; and also
friendly visiting by voluntary helpers.
The City Council, under powers conferred by the National Assistance
Act, 1948, makes an annual contribution to the funds of the Association,
to be used for work which comes within the scope of "Meals and
Recreation."
A chiropody service for old people has been in existence in Westminster
for several years. During 1960, the service was considerably extended
and is now grant-aided by the London County Council. Treatment is
available at two clinics in Westminster or in the homes of housebound
old people. The charge is 3s. per treatment but the County Council's
scheme usually enables pensioners to obtain treatment free of charge.
In 1957 the Association agreed to a proposal by the City Council to
recruit on their staff a welfare worker with 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. During the year under
review this side of the Association's work increased steadily.
During 1959, the Association published a handbook setting out details
of the services available in the City for old people, and other information
likely to be of interest to pensioners. This handbook has proved to be
of great assistance to all concerned and a second edition will be published
shortly.
Day Club for Handicapped Old People
In February, 1960, the Westminster Old People's Welfare Association
drew the Council's attention to the need for a Short Stay Home and a
Day Club for handicapped old people in Westminster, preferably in the
Pimlico area. It was felt that consideration might be given to the
proposal to provide both these amenities during the development of the
Lillington Street area but, as this would defer the matter for some years,
and in view of the present need for a day club, it was decided that
accommodation in one of the Council's blocks of flats should be adapted
and allocated to the Association for that purpose.