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This change has caused the centre programme to be drastically
altered. A workshop has been established in the basement, a work
bench constructed by the men completed and new equipment has
been purchased. A sound knowledge of the tools and their uses is
being taught. Repair of furniture and toys from Wandsworth
Training School and chair repairs and repainting is undertaken,
and the men have set to with great enthusiasm.
Despite the initial doubts raised by some parents at the integration
of trainees, it has been an unqualified success, and fears held
have rapidly been dispelled. Men and women work side by side
in the happiest of atmospheres and much social training has been
accomplished without it being realised that it was taking place.
General behaviour has improved all round.
A greater variety of activities has been introduced in the centre.
Shopping has been extended with some of the trainees doing the
errands unaccompanied. The Post Office, supermarket, builders'
merchant, stationers and hardware shops are now accustomed to
their visits and have proved very co-operative,
Morning sessions in reading, organised by the Home Teacher,
are proving a great success. A few trainees have joined the Public
Library and go each Friday afternoon to change their books. A
selection of books was chosen by the Children's Librarian for
Centre use and these are widely read during leisure time.
Weather permitting, the men play football once a week on the
nearby common and women take walks round the park. The
Transport Museum, Greenwich Park, Dulwich Park, and the
Imperial War Museum have been visited and the Metropolitan
Police have shown a film on Safety First. Wednesday morning is
the " Beauty Show " when the women wash and set each other's
hair under the instruction of the occupational therapist.
Industrial output has increased and charts on production are a
source of competition between groups trying to out-do each other.
New industrial activities have been introduced. All trainees have
benefited greatly from this extension of their activities.
Roehampton Adult Training Centre and Hostel
Owing to construction difficulties, we had not, at the end of the
year, taken possession of the new buildings, the date of handing
over having been deferred until 1970. However, the warden of
Roehampton hostel has already been appointed and preliminary
work is being carried out in the selection of future residents of
the hostel.