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The scheme in which 20 selected trainees work in a local factory under supervision
was started in 1964 and is proving to be a successful venture. Four of these
trainees, in fact, have been now successfully absorbed into the factory's routine
and are working as full-time employees.
During the summer a further development has been the acquisition of a
garden maintenance contract with a local firm. The work is undertaken by a
group of trainees under the supervision of an instructor. I am pleased to report
that the company concerned has written expressing great satisfaction with the work
done.
The centre was open to the parents and friends of the trainees all day on
Friday, 10th June, and again on the morning of Saturday, 11th June. A most
interesting exhibition of the work accomplished by the trainees, both at the centre
and during their leisure hours at home, was on display. It covered a wide range of
activities, from light engineering assembly work to photography and art, etc. The
exhibition demonstrated the high quality of the work achieved by the trainees
under the supervision of the manager and his staff. The visitors expressed approval
of the many facets of the training programmes carried out and the level of
attainment reached.
During the year representatives of other local authorities and voluntary bodies,
as well as students and sociologists from universities in this country and from
overseas, visited the centre. Their comments indicated that they were favourably
impressed.
The number of trainees on the roll on 31st December, 1966, was 177 and there
were 10 names on the waiting list.
Hospital Admissions
Some severely subnormal persons are handicapped to such an extent that only
hospitals can provide the type of care that they require. During the year six patients
were admitted to hospital. The number awaiting admission at the end of the year
was 18. These cases are under constant review.
Guardianship and Informal Foster Care
No new patients were placed under guardianship but two patients were still
under the formal guardianship of the Council at the end of the year.
There are no homes or hostels in the Borough but it is hoped that work will
start next year on the provision of a hostel for mentally subnormal children.
Wherever practicable, informal foster care placements are made in homes and
hostels run privately or by voluntary organisations. The Guardianship Society,
Hove, has been most co-operative in providing suitable homes for about two-thirds
of the patients and this assistance is greatly appreciated. The number of patients
placed in care at the end of the year was 33. The Principal Medical Officer for
Mental Health visited each case and reported that all of the placements were
satisfactory.
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