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Before this, however, there had been murmurs of disquiet amongst the other
tenants of the block of flats when they heard that discharged mentally ill
patients were to be accommodated. In order to gain the co-operation of the
nearest neighbours, they were visited by the Principal Mental Welfare Officer
who was able to discuss with them their fears and suspicions, and to reassure
them on many of their worries. This proved very helpful as the neighbours
assumed at first a protective attitude towards the patients, which has now been
replaced by an acceptance on equal terms.
In September 1966 the first two patients were admitted; one was a 70 year
old woman who had been in a mental hospital for nine years, and the other a
45 year old woman who had been ill for four years - they had not known each
other before. Every co-operation was given by the Ministry of Social Security
to ensure that the women had enough money to cover their needs.
During the initial settling in period, a mental welfare officer visited
daily to smooth out any difficulties and to advise on diet, shopping and
budgeting. Soon the two women settled down, becoming part of the community,
and taking their turn at washing down the communal stairs, etc. Later they
were joined by a younger woman who eventually moved to residential employment,
but who was greatly helped by the temporary accommodation afforded here, being
able to take stock of her personal situation.
In May 1967 a male patient of 45 was suggested as suitable - he was homeless
after the death of his mother. As he was known to the two ladies already
resident, whom he had met at the weekly psychiatric social club, we discussed
with them the possibility of his moving in. This was readily agreed to.
In October 1967 they were joined by another female patient. The two
younger women go to work, the man works when he is well and the 70 year old
woman, who is at home all day, finds plenty to occupy her with the housework.
The residents pay £2. 12. 0. a week which covers the cost of rent, heat,
lighting and gas, and they buy their own food and share the cost. One mental
welfare officer is responsible for visiting the unit once a week, to collect
rents, give support and undertake casework.
Voluntary Associations
Annually the Borough Council makes a contribution to the local voluntary
associations, viz. the Dagenham Association and the Barking Association for
Mental Health.
The Dagenham Association holds monthly meetings with speakers to stimulate
a public interest in mental health and gives financial aid to the mentally ill
within the Borough.
The Barking Association holds a weekly club for the mentally sub-normal
and their relatives, arranges a Christmas party to which our trainees are
invited, and has a holiday bungalow at Clacton for self-catering holidays for
the families of the sub-normal.
Holiday Play Centre
To provide some relief to parents during the long summer holiday, a Day
Holiday Play Centre was held at Castle School from Monday to Friday for the two
weeks, 14th - 25th August, 1967.
The supervision of the Centre was undertaken jointly by two ladies
resident in the Borough, both of whom are experienced in the work of a Training
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