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80
Blind and Partially Sighted Persons
Under the provisions of the Council's scheme for welfare services for
the blind and partially sighted it is necessary to arrange medical examinations
in connection with the certification of such persons. The department
arranged 80 examinations by consultant opthalmologists during the year
and transport was provided for persons as necessary.
Voluntary Services
The Harrow Old People's (Voluntary) Committee has a membership
drawn from voluntary organisations interested in promoting the welfare
of the elderly. The Committee, managing home visiting and meals services,
receives a monetary grant from and reports to the Health and Welfare
Committee of the Borough.
(i) 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 to 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.
(ii) Meals Service: (a) Luncheon Clubs : (b) Meals-on-Wheels Service:
During the year, hot mid-day meals were served at six luncheon club
centres in the Borough. The meals are cooked in a central kitchen and
served in five halls; the Belmont and North Harrow Assembly Halls; the
South Harrow Baptist Church Hall, Chapel Lane, Pinner; and Churchill
Place, Wealdstone. At Tenby Road Assembly Hall, the meals are cooked
and served on the premises.
In addition to supplying the luncheon clubs, the central kitchen
prepares hot mid-day meals, which are served to housebound people in
their own homes through the Meals-on-Wheels Service, which is staffed
by members of the W.R.V.S. It was agreed that, from 1st October 1970,
the Welfare Section of the Department would become responsible for this
Meals-on-Wheels service, which was formerly administered by the
W.R.V.S., whose members would however still drive the vehicles, collect
and deliver the meals. This is a vital service and the Council is grateful
for the invaluable assistance which the W.R.V.S. has given in the past and
continue to provide. During the quarter ending 31st December 1970,
26,325 meals were prepared. At the end of the year, meals were being