View report page

78
COMMUNITY CARE OF THE MENTALLY ILL
The Mental Health Social Workers continued to offer a regular
casework service to selected mentally ill patients and to their
families. The number receiving these visits grew throughout the
year and the numbers referred for visiting are much higher than
can be adequately dealt with by the team.
Social clubs
The value of the social clubs is considerable in that they keep
in touch with a large number of patients after working hours
with the minimum use of staff and the maximum economy of
staff time. Many patients who are disturbed are able to live in
the community and go to work regularly; the only contact they
have with mental health staff must then be in the evening. If the
patient is attending the social club it is possible to diagnose early
signs of relapse and also to give guidance and support through any
difficulty which arises at work or in the home situation.
Tooting Social Club completed its fourth year and is running
well, with attendances varying between 25 and 45 a week. Two
large dances were held during the year, at Christmas and in the
spring, and there was a summer outing to the coast. A doctor
from West Park Hospital continued to attend regularly throughout
the year, in addition to the two mental health social workers. The
music group in the club continued to be a valuable part of the
club's activities.
Putney Social Club also completed its fourth year during 1965.
A psychiatrist attended the club at the beginning of the year for
six months, after which unfortunately it was not possible to continue
attendance. Parties were held twice a year and were very
successful. The club combined with the Tooting Social Club for
the annual summer outing. An art group has been formed at this
club and is run by a former patient.
Residential hostel
Further experience was gained during the year in the management
of Chellow Dene, the Council's short-term psychiatric
hostel at Putney. The number of beds occupied was maintained
at a high level and because of the careful selection of patients the
rate of success and rehabilitation was high. Some very difficult
patients were absorbed into the hostel community during the year.
In the spring a residents' discussion group was started one evening
a week. The staff of the hostel and a psychiatric social worker
from the Mental Health Office are present at this group, in addition
to any patients who wish to join. Discussion has ranged over a
wide number of subjects, including the community attitude to
mental illness, problems faced by the mentally ill in finding