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129
as the more expensive aids such as Easi Carri hoists, Amesbury
Chairs for spastic children, and geriatric chairs for the elderly
disabled. The total expenditure on these aids was £1,200.
60. In contrast to adaptations to property, no charge is made for
the supply of personal aids. These are issued on permanent loan
and are recovered by the department when the client has ceased to
use them.
61. Aids were also supplied by the British Red Cross Society—
these are essentially nursing aids and wheelchairs. Liaison between
the Society and the department prevented any overlapping in
providing these services. In order to assist the British Red Cross
Society in this work a grant of £150 was made by the Council.
Occupation in the Home
62. The three occupation officers of the department maintained
a continuing service to 185 handicapped persons in their homes, an
increase of 34 over the previous year. Outwork was collected from
local firms and distributed to a greater extent. The repetitive
nature of the simple assembly jobs does not appeal to everyone and
the cash rewards are minimal—but 38 clients were provided with
outwork during the year. A wide range of handicraft activities was
undertaken by 147 clients, 22 of whom were not able to produce
saleable articles. The disposal of products was assisted by the
Annual Autumn Fair organised by the Bromley Council of Social
Service and held at the Congregational Church Hall in Widmore
Road, Bromley.
Holidays
63. A change of environment for a brief period is beneficial for
everyone, but when physical handicaps prevent people from enjoying
the ordinary facilities of travel, accommodation and entertainment,
special arrangements need to be made in order to enable
them to have a holiday. The department increased its service to
registered disabled people during the summer months of 1966/67
but the problem of locating suitable premises remained. A total
of 65 people including one family had a week's holiday at a
hotel in Ramsgate. Volunteers from the British Red Cross Society
and welfare assistants from the department's staff went to give
personal assistance. A further 7 disabled persons were sent individually
to other centres. The total amount spent on this service in
1966/67 was £657 6s. 3d. including £52 on the provision of transport.
The co-operation of the officers of the local divisions of the
British Red Cross Society was valued highly and much appreciated.
Club Activities
64. The British Red Cross Society continued its valuable work in
running clubs for disabled persons. Details of these were given in
last year's Report.
65. The Good Companions Club at Penge celebrated its first