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A valuable part of each session was a demonstration with children in the
group of different forms of play. The course provided opportunities to study
some of the beliefs, attitudes, motives, values and knowledge of the mothers;
it demonstrated the potential for involving them and attempted to foster their
participation in solving their own problems.
Discussion groups in toddlers' clinics continued to flourish in spite of
disruption in some areas due to staff changes. It was encouraging to see how
well and enthusiastically some of the newly qualified health visitors
approached this work. Imagination and energy however, are still required in
all groups if mothers are to be persuaded to take an active part and gain the
maximum benefit from educational opportunities.
Mental Health
The Croydon Association for Mental Health organised an exhibition in
the Sun Lounge of the Fairfield Hall during Mental Health Week, with the
assistance of the Health Education and Mental Health Sections and were satisfied
that this was a good public relations exercise.
In an attempt to stimulate and interest patients, Mr. Muller - Organiser of
the Volunteer Aid Project asked for Health Education staff to hold sessions in
Rees House, the Oaks and Salcot Crescent Day Centres. Topics included:—
Housework with ease, diet and weight control, and accident prevention. The
demonstrations evoked some amusement and response.
Health Education in Commerce and Industry
Staff from the Food Information Centre in Park Lane visited the Health
Education Section several times and members of the health and welfare departments
reviewed a pamphlet on nutrition for elderly people living alone.
Sessions on personal hygiene were given during a training course for new
staff at Grants Bros.; on food hygiene to the whole staff at Marks and Spencers
and on smoking and health at I.P.S. Business Press.
In'service Training Sessions held in the Health Education Section
1. Health visitors held monthly meetings, to which guest speakers were
invited.
2. Doctors and health visitors continued to benefit from fortnightly lunchtime
meetings with Dr. Crosse, Child Psychiatrist, on early diagnosis and
treatment of behaviour problems in young children.
3. Mr. Palmer, Chief Dental Officer, discussed with the doctors the incidence
and types of dental disease in children.
4. Regular sessions on the prevention of food poisoning were given throughout
the year with school cooks and kitchen staffs.
5. Dr. Rosemary Graham, Paediatrician, spoke on modern methods of infant
feeding at a special evening meeting for doctors, health visitors and
midwives.