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element predominates in most courses. In many, however, time
is found for general studies in which young workers have the
opportunity to discuss with their tutors problems of very immediate
concern to them, including those of health, morals and
conduct.
The Youth Clubs and similar groups organised by Local
Authorities and Voluntary Associations provide the third group
of activities in this field. All regard social training as a main aim
and the increasing stream of volunteers to train for this work
is a welcome feature of recent years.
As boys and girls become older and more interested in each
other, they often become conscious of needing more information
and advice on questions of etiquette, ethics and general behaviour,
particularly towards members of the other sex, on general fitness,
personal poise, sexual problems and the problems involved in
becoming a parent. One needs only to read the weekly column
of advice in any journal much read by young women to see how
greatly these questions agitate and often confuse the next generation.
Boys are perhaps more reticent, but both sexes turn eagerly
to all apparently reasonable sources of help. Some turn to their
parents, some to a minister or priest, some to a doctor. Often the
circumstances of the moment may provide a potential counsellor.
Yet many find it difficult to confide in older people. Young people
have always tended to react against the good intentions of an
older generation and sometimes natural independence drives them
to very dubious sources of advice. They are fortunate who know
an older and more experienced friend, still young enough to speak
the same language, does not offer too much advice, and is none
the less there when needed. Sometimes, a young lecturer or tutor,
sometimes a friend of the family, or a senior member of a Youth
Group or similar society, is in a position to give this kind of help.
The contribution made by the best youth leaders is outstanding,
and the authorities are wisely providing them with training
in individual and group counselling. Their training should give
them the knowledge of outside agencies to whom they can turn
for expert help when they feel the need. Contributions from outsiders
to Club programmes designed to help members with problems
of personal relationships are a growing feature of their
activities.
Home Safety
From January to December, 1969, a total of 9,509 home
accident cases were treated at the hospitals of Beckenham, Farnborough,
Orpington and Bromley. Of these, 5,484 were adults
and 4,025 children.
In 1968, the overall total from these hospitals was 8,130 and,
of these, 4,569 were adults and 3,561 children.