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72
On the assumption of their new powers, the Borough recommended
that to avoid confusion the title of the Harrow Old People's Welfare
Committee be changed to the Harrow Old People's (Voluntary) Committee.
Three members of the London Borough were appointed to this
voluntary committee which receives a monetary grant from and reports to
the Welfare Committee of the Borough. The Voluntary Committee functions
through three sub-committees: Meals Service; Workrooms; and
Home Visiting Service. It was agreed that the day to day management of
these services would be the responsibility of the Voluntary Committee
who would advise and make recommendations to the Council.
(i) Meals Service:
(a) Luncheon Clubs: There are four luncheon clubs in the Borough.
Daily, on Mondays to Fridays, hot midday meals are cooked in a central
kitchen and served in three halls:— the Belmont and North Harrow
Assembly Halls and the South Harrow Baptist Church. In addition, at
Tenby Road, meals are cooked and served on the premises. Associated
Social Clubs have been organised so that not only can the elderly benefit
from a wholesome meal but also attend social getherings.
(b) Meals-on-Wheels Service: In addition to supplying the Assembly
Halls, the central kitchen prepares hot midday meals which are served to
housebound people in their own homes through the "Meals-on-Wheels
Service". Three vans are used and staffed by members of the W.V.S.
(ii) Home Visiting Service:
Many elderly residents are visited regularly in their own homes by
voluntary workers. Besides bringing friendship and companionship they
also encourage a feeling of "being wanted" and help dispel loneliness and
depression.
The elderly are often unaware of the services available and in many
instances these voluntary workers have been able to alert the statutory
services to problems readily capable of solution. It is a pity that this
voluntary service is undermanned and many more helpers are urgently
required.
(iii) Workrooms:
The Central Workroom at "Palmerston Centre", Palmerston Road
is open daily Mondays to Fridays whilst Coles Crescent Communal Room,
South Harrow is open mornings only, five days a week. At these units a
wide variety of industrial work is undertaken. This service is being extended
as rapidly as opportunity allows and it is hoped to open further
units in the near future.