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PERSONAL HEALTH
As in my previous reports, I wish to comment upon the generosity, enterprise
and co-operation displayed by the Enfield Society for Mentally Handicapped
Children.
Adult Training Centre
The Adult Training Centre at Claverings Industrial Estate, run on similar lines
to an ordinary factory, has accommodation for 165 trainees over the age of
sixteen years, who are paid a weekly allowance. The scheme of incentive
payments provides a minimum payment to each trainee in a full week of
ten shillings, and a maximum payment of £2.
The number of trainees on roll on 31st December was 150 and there was no
waiting list.
A proportion of places is occupied by trainees from the London Boroughs of
Barnet and Haringey. The Centre also caters for selected mentally ill
persons medically recommended to attend a day occupation centre. At the
end of the year twenty such persons were in attendance.
The aim of this purpose-built centre is to train mentally subnormal persons
to become as independent and to lead as full a life as possible. Some
trainees are engaged on assembly work sent to the centre by local firms,
while others fulfil gardening contracts or work in the fully-equipped laundry
section. The latter handles approximately 6,000-7,000 articles of clothing
and linen each week, collected from more than 100 different establishments
of the Council.
The Education Committee continued to supply two part-time visiting teachers
to provide formal education to a total of seventeen hours per week.
The scheme in which twenty selected trainees work as a group in a local
factory under supervision continues to be successful. Another one of these
trainees was successfully absorbed into the factory's routine during the
year and is working as a full-time employee.
All trainees are medically inspected periodically. The visiting medical officer
also acts in the capacity of Her Majesty's Appointed Factory Doctor.
The Works Safety Committee met on one occasion and considered various
aspects of safety in regard to trainees and staff. The Centre became an
affiliated member of the British Safety Council in January, 1970. The Centre
was formally visited by Her Majesty's Factory Inspectors in May; appropriate
action was taken on a number of matters referred by the Inspectors.
The Centre was open to the parents and friends of trainees all day on
Wednesday, 23rd September. The many visitors included His Worship the
Mayor and representatives of local firms with which the Centre has contact.
The fourth annual Sports Day was held at Henry Barrass Stadium, Edmonton,
on Friday afternoon, 19th June. A full programme of competitions and team
events was organised by the Manager and staff of the centre. Trainees from
the London Boroughs of Haringey, Waltham Forest and Enfield took part and
teams from each borough took part in the inter-centre competitions. Many
parents, visitors and trainees watched the events with Alderman E.G.
McNern, Chairman of the Social Services Committee, and Councillor Mrs.
M. M. Hawkins, who presented the medals to winners. The Haringey team
won the team competition for the second year in succession.
The Manager and staff continued the club for trainees which is held on the
premises from 3 p.m. onwards every Friday. Activities included dancing,
singing, ten pin bowling and other games. This club is affiliated to the
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