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Dressmaking classes have continued to be popular,and during the year
a second class commenced at Greenwood Centre. Seven centres had
regular meetings of Mothers' Clubs,and talks on a variety of subjects
were arranged,frequently on subjects suggested by the members. Films
on health and related topics were a popular feature. Each club had
a party during the pre-Christmas period for mothers and children.
Training facilities for Students
Facilities were made available during the year for practical work
and/or experience in the public health field to health visitor
students from the Royal Col1ege of Nursing and Institute of Education,
London University,to medical students and nurses from local hospitals,
to post graduate social studies students and others.
Health Education in Centres
During the year the Health Visitors continued to develop group
education activities. In addition to the Mothers' Clubs which held
regular meetings, special programmes were arranged at two Centres to
which invited audiences came. The chief aim of these evening sessions
was to enable expectant mothers and fathers to attend together.
Programmes for invited audiences have proved more successful in this
field than regular programmes.
Mothercraft Classes for girls were taken by Health Visitors in
four secondary schools during the year. It is hoped to expand this
service more fully in the future.
Health Visitors have been encouraged to attend the weekend courses
on Psycho-prophylaxis arranged by the National Birthday Trust. Groups
of expectant mothers receive instruction from Health Visitors at two
Centres, and in one hospital ante-natal department. These classes
are followed by an informal Parentcraft discussion.
School girls living in the Wapping area have met in the Centre on
alternate Thursdays at 6.30p.m. for health education and a social
evening under the guidance of the Health Visitor.
Participation in Research Projects
Parents in the Borough have continued to show a willingness to
participate in surveys aimed at increasing knowledge of the normal
development of children and the efficacy of procedures aimed at the
prevention of disease.
During 1965 the Tower Hamlets area was included in three such
surveys, two of which were continuations of earlier projects
32.