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13 [1923
REPORT OF WORK—VOLUNTARY CENTRES.
Particulars of the activities of the four Islington Voluntary Infant Welfare Centres
were received from their Conjoint Committee.
Among these, apart from the clinics and consultations for mothers and children, are
efforts which show well-organised educational propaganda, comprising clubs for thrift,
holidays, home-helps, and dental treatment.
Individual centres slightly vary in their social methods. For instance, one has a library
for mothers and children, while some, under the auspices of committees of fathers, mothers
or parents, provide lectures which are well attended and at which opportunities are given
for questions and discussions.
These activities are in addition to the routine of health talks and sewing classes for
teaching and making of suitable garments, held at all the centres.
Several of the centres are recognised for the training of infant welfare students and of
infant welfare pupils, scholarship holders of the London County Council.
Some provide home-helps; two, indoor treatment for special cases; and all arrange
facilities for hospital treatment, convalescence, etc.
The work of the centres is carried out systematically, careful records being kept so that
the health of the child and the ante-natal history of the mother, as far as available, can be
passed on to the education authorities when the child becomes of school age.
The routine work of the centres is undertaken by staffs consisting of doctors, dentists,
nurses and masseuses, supplemented by voluntary workers, the consultations being held
practically daily, when the babies are examined and weighed and the mothers advised.
Home visits are made by the nurses and voluntary workers who give guidance and see that
the directions of the doctor are followed.

*Two clinics one week; one following week = 1½ weekly.