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68.
PARK VIEW THERAPEUTIC CLUB
The Club continues to function with an average of 26 - 30 members.
There is little question that the constant attendance bears witness to the need of some place where
persons still unsure of themselves as social entitles can meet and enjoy social intercourse.
We would greatly value the support of the medical staff of Runwell Hospital and the referral to the
Club of new cases for rehabilitation.
We have close cooperation with the medical staff (which we value greatly) in many matters concerning
the welfare of mental sufferers, yet liaison ln this connection escapes us. Can it be that the psychiatrists
have ceased to attach any great importance to rehabilitation through social clubs ln individual
cases? Is it the press of clinical duties within the hospital and the psychiatric out-patient clinics
which militates against their support and occasional attendance at the Club? Or is it Just laissez-faire?
The Petitions Officer, Mr. Steadman, and the Duly Authorised Officers, should be thanked warmly and
sincerely for their continued support to the Park View Therapeutic Club.
SECTIONS 28 AND 61. - MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE.
The plans for the provision of a second centre for mental defectives remain as detailed on page 64
for the report for 1949.
Despite the defects in the premises and lack, of facilities and equipment for social and simple industrial
training, the Occupation Centre continues to fulfil a dally need ln the life of a hard pressed
section of the community. For the presence of a defective within a household has inherent problems for
parents, siblings and neighbours.
But defectives can be taught social conduct and even social gracex. Anyone who has seen the Nativity
Play staged annually at Christmas will admit this. But without the apparatus, equipment and Instructors,
it is almost impossible to raise the level of attainment in individuals and groups, acceptable ln Industry
ln the outside world.
The staff of the Occupation Centre merit every praise for the fine humanitarian and altruistic task
they accomplish daily. The Health Committee are well aware of their hopes and aspirations and only
financial stringency puts the brake on expanding endeavour.