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The children enjoyed a visit from the "Safety Sard' Police demonstration.
Captain Gibbons of the S.S. 'Arlanza' paid us two social calls during
the year.
Social Activities
The children put on a Christmas play at St. Margaret's Hall which was
well supported by parents, they had also, an excellent Christmas Party
complete with Father Christmas.
A Social Evening for parents was held during June.
Staff
Mrs. Smith attended a Day Release Course for Teachers of the Mentally
Handicapped, and Miss Green attended a Five day Workshop Course.
We lost the services of Miss Mitson when Mrs. MacKenzie, who successfully
gained her Teaching Diploma, returned in July. Miss Higgins left to get
married.
The School Medical Officer made regular visits throughout the year,
and the Speech Therapist attended for one session per week.
Mental Health Week - 10th to 15th June, 1968
During Mental Health Week, the theme of which was 'Targets for Tomorrow'
our establishments for the sub-normal were open to the public and a special
exhibition was staged by the Porters Avenue Day Centre where a film show was
also arranged.
A shop window display was set up at 70 - 72 Ripple Road, Barking.
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, 19th - 30th August, 1968.
The supervision of the Centre was undertaken by a lady resident in the
Borough, who is experienced in the work of a Training Centre and additional
staff was recruited, including students of Teacher Training Colleges and
mothers of the trainees.
This Centre was attended by 37 trainees - junior and adult.
Residential Accommodation - Maisonette
This accommodation consisting of two single bedrooms and one double
with communal kitchen and lounge, continued to be fully occupied by four
patients during the year under the supervision of the Mental Welfare Officer.
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.
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