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Trainees have acted as residential helpers on the holidays arranged for the physically
handicapped, and arrangements have been made for them each to spend a week at one of the
Borough's residential homes for the elderly.
As well as the above, talks and demonstrations, which have been open to all social work
staff, have been given by people with specialised knowledge. These have covered the use of
medical terms, the work of the special schools, the welfare of the deaf, the care of the aged, aids
and adaptations for the physically handicapped and the partially sighted, mental health in the
community, the child guidance service, child care, local government, etc.
It is essential that all social workers have knowledge of the extensive services provided
by the Borough, and as well as visits to these, we have also been to adjacent hospitals and to
establishments for the disabled in Surrey. Clinical demonstrations of disturbed children undergoing
specialist treatment have also been attended.
The value of visual learning has not been overlooked, and every month there has been
a film show in the former Council Chamber at Leyton Municipal Offices, which has been followed
by discussion. These have highlighted the history, special requirements and ways of helping the
physically handicapped, blind and partially sighted, the deaf and hard of hearing, the elderly, the
lonely, the law-breaker, and problems relating to family case work. Other departments and students
have been invited and have appreciated this opportunity to add to learning. Good films on these
subjects are not easy to find, and they have been obtained from as far afield as America and
Geneva.
During the year help and guidance has been given to a variety of students who have come
to the department to learn about the Borough's services and the practice of social work. They have
come from universities and colleges and illustrate the several ways in existence of taking social
work training. The universities concerned are Bedford College, London and Nottingham
Universities. College students have come from the College of Deaf Welfare and the Barking
Regional College of Technology. Student Health Visitors, who are receiving their academic
training at the latter college, have also been given an insight into the welfare service.
Close contact is maintained with the London Boroughs' Training Committee, and
individual members of staff have attended appropriate seminars or day conferences. This not
only extends the social worker's knowledge and understanding, but keeps us abreast of trends and
developments in other Boroughs. These are not of uniform pattern, and being aware of the diverse
way in which they function, helps us continually to evaluate the aims and structure of our own
service.
S.A.Abley
Social Work Adviser
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