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BECKENHAM OLD PEOPLES WELFARE COMMITTEE
The main voluntary welfare work for old persons consists in home
visiting and continued visits when these are welcomed. Visits are
carried out at the request of organisations whose representatives attend
meetings of the Committee and who are in touch with each other and
with necessary services in between meetings.
The main function of the Committee is to act as a meeting point
for representatives of organisations and departments interested in some
aspect of the welfare of old persons. By reports of the work of these
organisations, overlapping of help may be avoided.
Thus the District Officer brings information about County homes
for old persons and mental health services ; the Home Help Organiser
brings information about development of these services to help old
persons, e.g. night attendant service ; the W.V.S., Veterans Club, etc.,
bring information about activities of such services as old persons clubs,
meals on wheels and outings. Individual problem cases can be investigated
by the Secretary. Many of the associations listed below help by
organising whist drives, bazaars and the like, towards the fund of the
Committee.
Apart from financial help of needful old persons the Committee
helps with such problems as can be dealt with. They may include
searching for smaller accommodation and arranging exchange, and in
providing shopping services, chiropody service equipment, and parcels.
The Committee shares with other organisations such as Friends
of Beckenham Hospital, W.V.S., some part of the proceeds of the
collections on Rose Day. The various organisations help in various
ways, a few of which are as follows
Chiropody Service
Once a week a clinic is held at 45, Beckenham Road, and the
chiropodist also visits Thornton House. Another chiropodist sees
persons at her own home. Fees are reduced in all cases.
Guilds
Main service is in finding needy cases, visiting and helping
towards funds.
Inner Wheel
Help with funds, visits and providing afternoon teas at
Thornton House.
Clubs
The Veterans Club is a men's club which is self-supporting
and meets each Thursday afternoon at the Azelia Club. Darby
and Joan Clubs are mentioned among the activities of the W.V.S.
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