View report page

38
The Waylands Centre, which, when it opened in 1967 was an experiment
in providing services under one roof for the physically disabled and mentally
handicapped, has continued to function satisfactorily. This report deals with
the section of the Centre concerned with the mentally handicapped, the remaining
section being the responsibility of the Chief Welfare Officer.
Links with centres run by voluntary societies, particularly the Spastics
and the Guild of Social Service, were strengthened. Practical co-operation
between the voluntary and statutory bodies is essential if services for the ???
abled are to be really effective and there were promising signs in 1968 that
the services were dovetailing to provide a comprehensive pattern of day cen???
provision.
The Industrial Advisory Panel, representing local industrialists, continued
to give valuable guidance and advice and in a quite different sphere,
the Croydon and District Society for Mentally Handicapped Children maintain
their traditionally enthusiastic support of the Council's policies.
The next milestone in the development of the service occurs in 1969,???
the Crosfield Industrial Unit will move into a new, purpose-built factory,
financed with the aid of a grant from the Department of Employment and Pro???
tivity. This factory will be a model of its kind. For the future there remains ???
setting up of a Home Workers scheme and the establishment of a new Adult
Training Centre for the mentally handicapped.
The three principal local authority units in the service are:—
(i) the Crosfield Industrial Unit (the Sheltered Workshop);
(ii) the Bensham Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre and
(iii) the Waylands Craftwork, Training and Social Centre.
1. Crosfield Industrial Unit.
This unit for severely disabled persons of all categories is a sheltered
workshop, approved as such under Section 3 of the Disabled Persons (Employment)
Act 1944. It is the headquarters and principal co-ordinating agency of
the industrial therapy service.
All but five of the severely disabled are full-time employees, appointed
under special terms and conditions of service. A full 40-hour week is worked
with the men earning £10. 16s. 8d. per week and the women £8. 0s. 10d.
Responsibility allowances of up to £2 weekly may also be paid. Travelling
expenses up to 2/- daily and free midday meals are provided. Two weeks paid
holiday is given each year, and trade union membership is open to every
employee.
See Appendix page 123.
2. Bensham Assessment and Rehabilitation Centre
This centre provides industrial work assessment for disabled persons
who may eventually be capable of open employment. It was primarily
established to provide a service for the mentally disordered, although some
physically disabled persons can also be accommodated if alternative provision
is not available.