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a number of rewarding contracts have already been fulfilled. Staff always have to
be ready to cope with behaviour problems e.g. impulsive or aggressive behaviour,
fits of weeping. Overall it has become obvious that ultimately the Centre will
require greater flexibility in its layout in order to give sufficient diversity
of accommodation. It is anticipated that when the annexe is transferred from the
Junior Training Centre (as mentioned in a previous paragraph) much more division
will be possible.
Training of Staff - The staff so far appointed have worked exceedingly well as
a team and in the future it is proposed that they should be supported in their
work by arranging suitable training facilities for them.
Transport - Regular transport is not necessary for most centre members, but from
time to time a need for this arises. One of our members had been housebound for
fifteen years, and needed help in this respect until she became confident enough
to travel by bus. We also have agoraphobic patients, who at certain times are
unable to travel, and who would benefit from attendance at the Centre during
these difficult periods. Sometimes it is necessary too, to convey a person home
if she or he becomes unwell while at the Centre.
Social Activities - The West field Psychiatric Social- Club meets every Thursday
evening at the Day Centre. Recreational facilities include a billiards/snooker
table (given by the Dagenham Mental Health Association), darts, chess, table
tennis, etc., and a record player for members' records. Periodically demonstrations
of special and practical interest are given. The Gas Board sent a representative
who introduced recipes and showed how to cook them on the latest type gas cooker.
Techniques in flower arranging have also taken place, given by a specialist. A
whole evening was given over to a visit by the Morris Dancers and the Club
members joined in the programme. At any time during the Thursday evening club
there are Mental Welfare Officers available for any counselling required, and
a member of the Day Centre Staff is usually in attendance also.
Members attending the Day Centre are offered the opportunity to go to a
West End theatre about once or twice a month. The tickets are generously given
by the Old Age Pensioners Club who meet every Wednesday afternoon at the Day
Centre. These outings provide new experiences for many Centre members.
Confidence is gained by travelling in a group and this in turn encourages good
behaviour. Afternoon tea is usually taken in a tea shop adjacent to the particular
theatre. All incidental expenses are met from the Centre's Amenity Fund.
The Amenity Fund commenced with a Jumble Sale organised by the Dagenham
Mental Health Association which then donated a further sum to give a total of
£100. The Centre has since organised functions on its own account, the proceeds
going to the Fund. The Fund is used generally for educational, social and
recreational pursuits, e.g. it is used for theatre outings (including fares and
admission charges), for chartering a sailing barge and supplying food for the
day on board, and tea breaks, etc., on such journeys. At Christmas time the
Amenity Fund meets the cost of much of the Centre's Christmas Party and for the
provision of gifts to members.
Individual Cases
Synopses of a few selected cases are now given to show in some measure the
true worth of the Centre
A. A young man, 25 years of age with a good work record as a labourer. He had
deteriorated mentally over a period of one year and had been admitted to
hospital. On referral to the Day Centre he was found to be uncommunicative
but interested in work. He soon settled down to a regular work habit and
in the months that followed began to overcome his fear of persons working
around him. Eventually he began to socialise in the Centre and found a girl
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