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73
WELFARE SERVICES
Establishment
The staff establishment of the Welfare Section at 31st December, 1969,
was as follows:-
Principal Officer for Social Work (Welfare and Mental Health Services)
Deputy for Welfare Services Home Teachers for the Blind 3
Professional Case Worker Industrial Work Organiser
Social Welfare Officer 10 Handicraft Organiser
Trainees 2 Work Centre Assistant
Throughout the year demands on the Welfare Services have steadily
continued to increase and this has resulted in a corresponding need for
expansion. This expansion was foreseen and the staff establishment was
increased by two Social Welfare Officers and a handicraft instructor,
during 1969. The number of referrals for investigation during the period
under review numbered 934 and these were dealt with in addition to the
existing case load of handicapped, blind and partially sighted, elderly
and homeless persons. At the end of the year the registers showed 846
handicapped persons; 446 blind and partially-sighted; 450 elderly persons.
It was evident that more facilities were required to meet the needs of
those who required some form of day care or social rehabilitation, and
arrangements have been made for Sancroft Assembly Hall to be used
every afternoon from Monday to Friday for this purpose. In addition a
club for the deaf/blind was started and meetings are held fortnightly in
accommodation provided by a voluntary member of the group.
The interest of the public in the field of welfare has become more
noticeable and an increasing number of talks and lectures have been
requested by various bodies. In all approximately 50 such meetings were
attended by members of the staff.
Within the Department "in service training courses" were organised
and well attended by members of other departments which have allied
interests. Another aspect of the work of the Department which is not
generally publicised is the acceptance of students from universities and
colleges. For each student a comprehensive programme is prepared and a
great deal of time is spent on instruction and introducing the students to
the services provided in the Borough.
Temporary Accommodation
It was a year of no change as far as applications for temporary
accommodation were concerned and 81 families applied for this service.
The main cause for homelessness was domestic dissension, followed by
rent arrears and possession required by landlords. Without doubt social
work in this field has obviated the need for admission in many cases.
Working with the families has enabled them to face up to their respon-