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this delay, there is the natural reluctance of the patient or his family, who
having given all details of his circumstances to the Care Committee secretary,
must be sent to another office to repeat them before his case can be
investigated.
Towards the end of the year, with the sanction of the Committee, the
secretary raised by private subscription a small fund with which she has been
able to provide pocket money for three penniless patients in sanatorium and
to pay 12/- railway fare for the parents of a child whom the London County
Council urgently wished them to visit. But many cases badly needing help
often have to be refused, and a small fund, officially administered by the Care
Committee, would be of the greatest use.
One of the men provided with pocket money who is still at sanatorium,
writes appreciative letters saying what a difference it is making to his stay
there. He discharged himself after being away for a short time earlier in the
year because he could not endure being with other men and not having anything
at all with which to pay his share of the little extras which must always
be bought. It is only necessary to imagine oneself in his place to understand
this.
Handicraft Class The Handicraft Class has had another successful year and the attendance
of patients has much improved. 46 classes were again held, with an average
attendance of 16.
The class participated in the Exhibition and Sale held at the Carpenter's
Hall in October, and £17 of goods were sold, comparing quite favourably with
classes from other and wealthier districts. The work of the ex-Service men
was sent to the Imperial Institute Armistice Week Exhibition, and most of
it was disposed of.
The valuable effect of the class on patients who have attended for a time
is very noticeable. They become much more cheerful, extremely interested
in the work, and find in the class a social centre which makes a very welcome
change from the long hours they must spend at home. One man who moved
to the L.C.C. Estate at St. Helier last May still comes up from time to time,
as he misses the class so much.
The class is held at St. George-in-the-East Dispensary from 2.30 to 4.30
on Thursday afternoons (except during August). Visitors are always
welcome, and the patients very much appreciate any interest that is taken
in them.