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Chisiehurst and Sidcup Voluntary Tuberculosis Care Committee.
This Committee which has been in existence since 1938, continues
to render valuable assistance to tuberculous patients and their
families within the district.
The Committee's Liaison Officer is available three afternoons
each week at the United Services Club, 108. Main Road, Sidcup,
when patients or their families can seek help and advice on the
many problems which arise during prolonged illness.
Approximately 380 cases were assisted during the year and
frequent home visits were made. Arrangements were made for
free holidays at the seaside for 25 families, thus enabling tired wives
and mothers to have a complete rest and to assist patients in making
full recovery.
All statutory and voluntary bodies in the district co-operate
with the Care Committee, and the closest contact exists with the
Chest Clinic and with hospitals.
Women's Voluntary Services.
The W.V.S. carry out good work in the district, especially in
connection with the welfare of old people.
Wheel chairs are loaned, escorts are provided to assist those
attending hospital, domestic help is arranged, shopping, etc., undertaken
and clothing supplied to old people at the request of the
National Assistance Boards' Officers or other bodies. In special
cases, elderly persons are provided with a free holiday at a W.V.S.
Holiday Home.
CHISLEHURST AND SIDCUP OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE
COMMITTEE.
Abstract from Secretary's Annual Report:—
While Club-life goes smoothly on from week to week, meaning
more and more to the 1,000 elderly people attending the 13 Clubs
established throughout the district, the Old People's Welfare Committee
has concentrated this year on the problem of housing for
the elderly.
For many years it has been apparent that one of the greatest
difficulties facing old people is that of finding unfurnished accommodation
at a reasonable rental—a single room with cooking
facilities, where an elderly person or a married couple may live
among their own treasured possessions. Advertising for such
accommodation proved hopeless ; the only solution appeared to be
to buy a large, older type property with a view to conversion. At
first, it seemed tha:t such a scheme would involve insuperable
financial difficulties ; but with tremendous enthusiasm, faith and