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66
ward to the provision of four new vehicles early next year. In the
field of transport the Local Authority receives tremendous support
from Local Voluntary Organisations who often make their own
special vehicles available to the Authority in the event of breakdowns
etc.
Craft and Work Centres—The Penge Work Centre still provides
work centre facilities each day for 25 disabled. Work is at
present going ahead to adapt the ex Civil Defence Centre at Coney
Hall in order to create an Activities Centre for all handicapped
groups.
(b) Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The advisory sessions organised by the Social Welfare Officer
for the Deaf continue to develop. There are now five such sessions
held each month at establishments throughout the Borough. In
the sphere of deaf welfare a close link exists with the School
Health Service, the Welfare Services and the Education Department,
through which efforts are made to offer a parent guidance
service to parents of deaf children.
(c) Blind
The services for the blind continue to develop especially in
the field of mobility. The appointment of a Mobility Instructor
for the Blind has led to a number of registered blind benefiting
from instruction in the long cane technique. There continues to
exist a very close liaison on blind welfare between officers of this
Authority and officers of the Kent Association for the Blind.
Services for the Elderly—Community Care
There is a close link between the Council and the voluntary
services in the field of Community Care for the Elderly. No less
than 160,000 meals were provided during the year to the elderly at
luncheon clubs, day centres and through the meals on wheels
service. These meals being prepared and served by the W.R.V.S.,
the British Red Cross Society and the Old People's Welfare Committees.
Work began this year on the Mason's Hill Day Centre which
will provide 150 places each day for the elderly as well as providing
60 meals daily for the meals on wheels service.
The Old People's Welfare Joint Committee who are grant
aided by this Authority co-ordinate the activities of services for
the elderly.