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71
Club Activities for the Mentally Subnormal
The Borough has now two Gateway Clubs, one in Penge
and one in Orpington (January, 1967). Both Clubs have had a
most successful year, having gained the support from local communities.
The field officers of the Section provided advice. The
Council meets the cost of renting the premises and the Clubs
are run by Committees elected by parents. The Peter Pan Club
established in Bromley 10 years ago, has the distinction of being
one of the first of its sort in the country. In spite of cramped
premises, the Club has a large membership and a wide range of
activities of which the youngsters take full advantage.
The progress with the new Junior Training Centre will be
referred to at the end of the report.
Headquarters of the Mental Health Section
The work of the senior officers working from headquarters at
the Health and Welfare Department has been covered in some
detail in the Annual Report 1966. It will suffice to say that the
financial restrictions coming at a period of rapid natural growth
of the service has greatly added to the pressures and stresses.
In September, 1967, the first Day Centre, Stembridge Hall,
was opened.
STEMBRIDGE HALL DAY CENTRE
9a Stembridge Road, Penge, S.E.20
Supervisor: Mr. S. J. Hall
Deputy Supervisor: Mrs. E. G. A. Fathers
This report is the exception to the rule, since it covers the
period 18th September, 1967 to 5th May, 1968. The Centre opened
on the first date and was, by design, filled very gradually. To
limit the report to the first three and a half months of the Centre's
existence would, therefore, not present a true picture.
The Centre occupies a Council owned Hall which was
acquired by the Health Department early in 1967. It was subsequently
redecorated and adapted for the purpose. A store and a
small Supervisor's office were added at the rear of the building.
The Centre provides rehabilitation for young adults of either
sex handicapped by mental disorder, for work in semi-sheltered
or open employment. A free midday meal is served at the Centre
and each trainee, or "member" to use the official designation, is
paid a nominal sum in respect of work done. When more
experience has been gained consideration will be given to introducing
a scale of payments related to output and effort, on the
lines of Ministry of Health Circular L.H.A.L. 21/67 which deals
with incentive payments to mentally handicapped adults in Local
Authority Training Centres. The Centre can accommodate up to
24 members.