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3
Mental Health
The improvements and extensions to the Kingston Training
Centre and Workshops for Subnormals has reduced the congestion and
allowed some reorganisation of the work being carried out, and
enabled children to be admitted to the centre from the age of three
years. This policy of early training is invaluable as far as the
subnormal child is concerned. The training centre has received
favourable comment from numerous visitors including students placed
there for practical training from diploma courses.
It is anticipated that building will start on a new adult
workshop in the next financial year.
The day centre for the mentally ill functioned well
throughout the year in its rather poor temporary premises. It has
proved invaluable in the rehabilitation and support necessary for
patients recovering from mental illness.
The number of referrals to the mental health social workers
continued at the previous year's high level.
Prevention of Illness, Care and After Care
There was an increase in the number of families being
assisted to prevent their break-up or to prevent them becoming
homeless. This is an instance of when additional facilities are
available, in this case more staff, more need comes to light and at
an earlier stage.
We have a good staff of home helps, but despite the job
satisfaction which comes from the large element of welfare work
undertaken by the home helps with the aged and handicapped, there is
always a shortage of staff. The main reason for this is probably
the demand of local light industry in the Borough for female labour,
generally offering higher rates of pay.
The amount of chiropody undertaken continued to increase.
Almost one third more persons were treated, and the number of
treatments rose by 12 per cent.