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for all registered handicapped persons of whom, at the present time,
166 reside in the Borough; these services have been extended considerably
and in addition to direct provision, such as special equipment on
loan, grants are made in approved cases towards the cost of structural
adaptations to meet special home needs. Voluntary organisations also
materially assist the County Council in this work.
The County Council have their own Occupational Centre for the
Physically Handicapped and others are contemplated in the near future.
Visiting of the handicapped is carried out by specialist officers and they
are instrumental in the ascertainment of individual needs, giving advice
and also instruction in handicraft, especially to the home bound.
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION
The Welfare Committee have submitted proposals to the Ministry
of Health for a new 60 bedded Hostel for aged persons at Harold Hill,
and work is expected to start early in 1961. When completed this
project will provide the Borough's first Part III accommodation.
It is expected that the children's residential home at ,Harold
Wood Hall will also be used for welfare purposes in the near future.
There appears to be, as yet little likelihood of the provision by the
Welfare Department of an Occupation Centre for the Physically
Handicapped. Great benefit and happiness is derived from such
centres by handicapped persons.
MENTAL HEALTH
Proposed Comprehensive Training Centre for Romford
Dr. G. G. Stewart, County Medical Officer informs me that
plans are well advanced for the provision of a Comprehensive Training
Centre catering for 50 senior and 75 junior pupils, on part of the Harold
Wood Hall estate. It is hoped that the erection of the Centre will
commence early in 1961.
This Centre, when completed, will provide facilities within the
Borough for the training and care of children unsuitable for education
at school because of a disability of mind, and for certain others
requiring care from the Local Authority.
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