Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]
This page requires JavaScript
20.
Loans 10
Rent Arrears 5
Removal Expenses 3
Money Grants 11
Help with wireless expenses 10
Other help 7
Holidays 2
Cases referred for extra help to
National Assistance Board 16 (in addition to
applications for maintenance)
S.S.A.F.A. 3
Women's Voluntary Service 2
British Red Cross 2
Forces Help 3
Other Societies 4
V. SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
The manifold activities mentioned in previous reports continued
unabated so that perhaps it will suffice this year to mention the more
outstanding items and new ventures.
What has proved to be our most successful full-time Old People's
Club was opened at temporary premises in Murray Grove during July 1954.
So successful has it been, that it has already outgrown the premises
concerned, and the Council is hoping to provide larger and permanent
quarters near the same spot before my next report appears.
The second-hand furniture scheme has proved so successful that I
feel that rather more should be said about it.
When an old person dies, and the furniture is not required by the
relatives, we remove the goods from the premises after an indemnity form
has been signed, disinfect it and keep it in store against the time when
our welfare visitors or the Sanitary Inspectors find another old person
who vitally needs any such articles. During 1954, almost 100 articles
were salvaged (including 25 chairs, 4 tables, etc. - and even a sewing
machine), while 28 chairs together with tables, settees, food cupboards,
etc. (and the sewing machine) were distributed to needy old folk at no
oost to anyone, but with great help to the recipients. At one time,
the collection became so great that we were able to pass on some to
the Seoretary of the T.B. Care Committee, and so help to conserve
their funds also.
Our Holiday and Rest Home has been at times strained almost to
bursting point, especially during the summer months, although the
increased charge made during the height of the season has spread the
load considerably. The help of King Edward's Hospital Fund for