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organisation in various parts of the City of 14 Darby and Joan Clubs,
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 five clinics in Westminster or in the homes of housebound
old people. The charge is 3.s. 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.
In 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; a second edition was published during
1961.
Day Club for Handicapped Old People
In 1961 the basement of one of the City Council's blocks of flats-Sherborne
House, Abbots Manor—was adapted at a cost of some £4,600
for use as a Day Club and Luncheon Club for old people, operated by the
Westminster Old People's Welfare Association.
The Club started on 6th July, 1961, and is used as a Day Club for
about 25 handicapped old people on three days per week (including
the service of lunches which are cooked on the premises), and as a
Luncheon Club for up to 40 persons on two days per week.
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