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Voluntary Services
The membership of Harrow Old People's Voluntary Committee is
drawn from voluntary organisations interested in promoting the welfare
of old people. It was set up in April 1950 at the instigation of the former
Urban District Council, following a circular letter from the Ministry of
Health making suggestions for developing co-operation between local
authorities and local voluntary organisations.
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 gatherings.
(b) Meals-on-Wheels Service: Inaddition 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.R.V.S.