London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
East Ham 1931
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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The number of blind persons on the register on 31st December, 1931, was 204. They are graded as follows
| In residential schools | 4 |
| In workshops | 16 |
| In training | 5 |
| At work | 10 |
| St. Dunstan's men | 5 |
| Street musicians and sellers | 4 |
| Home workers | 2 |
| Trained and not at work | 3 |
| Awaiting training | 4 |
| Pastime occupations | 39 |
| Domestic duties at home | 11 |
| No pastime occupation (owing to age, etc.) | 100 |
| Collector |
Numbers of the blind are taught suitable pastime occupations
by the Home Visitor, and more have learned to read Braille and
Moon types.
The Council's scheme for providing grants (according to
income) to all necessitous blind persons is greatly appreciated by
the recipients.
Many blind persons have been assisted to obtain Blind Old
Age Pensions and free wireless licences. Since the Council has
agreed that the school eye specialist should examine all cases and
certify where necessary, many tedious journeys to hospital have
been eliminated.
The East Ham Welfare Association for the Blind continues
to carry out its splendid work, and the lives of the blind have been
considerably lightened by its continued efforts.
The Association provides 45 weekly and 18 monthly embossed
magazines for those who desire them. Many social evenings have
been arranged for the blind and their guides, and the annual outing
to Southend was the usual great success.
The provision of groceries at Christmas and coal to necessitous
cases, extra nourishment in cases of sickness, tobacco,