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STEPNEY BOROUGH COUNCIL INFORMATION SERVICE.
The work of the Information Service under the Borough
Librarian has continued successfully throughout the past year
and the Information Centre, situated at 671a, Commercial Road,
E.14, has been increasingly used by citizens of Stepney who
seek guidance or who require some information. Many persons
are unaware of the legislation that exists for their protection
and it is a distinct advantage to them to have one place
in the Borough where they can be guided and have their rights
and duties simply explained.
The recent Social Legislation has caused many enquiries
on the personal application of the Acts and during the past
year a total of 2,468 enquiries were dealt with on the Social
Services alone. This number formed part of the grand total
of 9,8l6 enquiries received during the year and which covered
a very extensive field. The scarcity of housing accommodation
and the numerous problems arising from this also resulted in
many seekers for advice at the Information Centre and the
staff was able to alleviate much worry.
Another feature of the work of the Information Service
is the assistance rendered to old persons in their pension
and other problems and by putting them in contact with
suitable welfare organisations and clubs in the Borough.
WELFARE OF AGED PERSONS.
The problem of the aged sick and infirm still gives much
cause for anxiety. During the year one person was removed
under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948. The
Stepney Old People's Welfare Association was formed towards
the end of 1948 following a representative conference convened
by the Stepney Borough Council in March 1948. It has representatives
of the Borough Council, London County Council and
all local statutory and voluntary interests. Grants are made
to the voluntary associations by the Borough Council under
Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948.
There are now eleven clubs, all affiliated to the association.
Luncheons are provided at the W.V.S. club, the
Toynbee Veterans Club and the St.George's Club. The "Meals
on Wheels" service is run by the W.V.S. from the Londoner's
Meals Service and the Invalid Kitchens. A chiropody service
for the aged was started by the St.Katharine's Club for
Pensioners and is also now available at four other clubs.
Home Helps are provided by the London County Council and
Home Nursing by the East-London Nursing Society.
All these services for the aged are rapidly expanding.
A full account of progress is given in the Annual Report of
the Association which can be obtained from the Secretary
(Miss D.B. Halsall) at Butcher Row, Ratcliffe, E.14 (The
Royal Foundation of St.Katharine).
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