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54
Adult Training Centre
On 1st January 1962, 37 subnormal or severely subnormal
trainees were attending this industrial work centre, and by the
end of the year this figure had risen to 63 (38 males, 25
females), of whom 8 males were accommodated in a supplementary
unit for higher grade trainees, A small number of mentally ill
persons was successfully assimilated into the Centre.
Some headway was made in obtaining suitable work and a small
warehousing and despatch section was set up, but much more work
is required before the Centre can work at full capacity all the
year round.
Work undertaken included laundry of both training centres,
linen repairs; kitchen duties; making natural wood birdcage
perches; fitting inserts into metal caps; assembling and packing
a wide range of plastic toys.
Money earned during the year amounted to £944.7s. 1d. and
£1, 119. 11s. 9d. was paid out in pocket money and bonus.
The Centre opens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays
throughout the year, apart from Bank Holidays. Incentive pocket
money is paid to each trainee based on aptitude, ability and
regularity of attendance. A bonus scheme operates where the
money earned is more than the pocket money payable. Protective
clothing is provided and mid-day meals supplied at a subsidised
rate. The Corporation provides special coaches to take the
trainees to and from the Centre, although those capable of
making their own way are encouraged to do so.
Mental Health 1959 - General
Boarding Out Scheme
This scheme was introduced in February 1962 as a means of
encouraging private individuals to offer lodgings or foster
homes for mentally disordered persons in need, in particular
mentally ill persons on discharge from hospital and homeless
subnormal or severely subnormal persons. The Corporation pays
Boarding Out allowances as required. A Boarding Out Officer has
been appointed with special responsibility in connection with
the scheme, and close medical and social work support is provided.
Progress was inevitably time exhausting and laborious, hut
at 31st December, 17 patients were in lodgings and information
concerning the year's work is shown below:-