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76
Welfare Services for the Handicapped
Support and advice was provided throughout the year to 189 new
registrations and the register now numbers 846. Whilst it is not possible to
measure the value of such support given to those who are handicapped, it
is true to say that if it were not for the help given by the social welfare
officers and all supporting services many would be finding it very difficult
to cope with the problems both physical and emotional confronting them.
To cater for their social needs the two clubs, "Happy Circle" and "Arrow"
continued to provide a varied programme of entertainments and membership
was maintained at a high level. The British Red Cross Society class
catered for a weekly group of 50 persons who are taught various handcrafts
and enjoy a social afternoon.
As an extension to facilities available it was possible to arrange
afternoon meetings at the newly acquired Sancroft Assembly Hall from
Monday to Friday. These sessions vary in content from cultural lectures
and music appreciation to handcraft instruction and mobility. When more
transport becomes available these classes can be expanded.
The work centre for the handicapped moved to Sancroft Assembly
Hall in April, a centre more suitable and centrally placed in the Borough.
This service is well supported and only limited by the amount of transport
available. The work undertaken is of a light industrial nature and all monies
earned are returned to those who attend the centre. Apart from the "work"
aspect the greatest benefit derived from those attending is the encouragement
they get to associate with others. Their ability to converse and come
to terms with their disability is an example of the value derived from such
a group enterprise. It is true to say that everyone benefits in one way or
another and many are able to achieve things never before thought possible.
To enable handicapped persons to lead a life as normal as possible
aids and adaptations are provided and this year 38 adaptations to persons'
homes were undertaken and 372 aids issued.
The Borough also was able to arrange for 81 handicapped persons
to have a fortnight's holiday. Apart from individually arranged holidays,
two group holidays were most successful, in no small measure, due to the
valuable help and assistance given by faithful volunteers.
It is now an annual event for Sopers of Harrow Ltd., and Littlewoods
Stores Ltd., to arrange to stay open after normal shopping hours to enable
handicapped persons to do their Christmas shopping in comfort. The year
1969 was no exception and the majority of handicapped persons who
participated were only able to do so by the remarkable response from
volunteer drivers, who with the help of official transport enabled about
200 persons to have a shopping evening.