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As reported last year our programme is devised to provide opportunities for learning for
all staff and contains tutorials, visits of observation, talks from those with specialised knowledge,
films related to specific disabilities, clinical demonstrations and discussions ranging over the
whole field of Social Work practice as it is today and may be tomorrow.
Seebohm has not yet reported and we are well aware that this document, together with
the other reports already published, The Maud, The Mallaby and The Williams, will have a profound
effect upon the organisation, administration and practice of Social Work throughout the country.
Any change is to some extent threatening and produces a measure of anxiety. The more
a social agency is isolated the greater the degree of apprehension among its workers when faced
with a shifting of function, but in giving the greatest possible help to people in need many staff
are involved. In the borough we have been extending our contacts with each other, learning more
about each others role and making greater use of the multi-discipline approach to human problems.
This makes a service more effective and induces the attitude of mind where individual workers
will be more ready to accept future changes.
The London Boroughs Training Committee have had a number of courses and seminars
during the year which some of the staff have attended. All have found this a helpful and stimulating
experience.
This is a time when Social Work and prospects of a career are very much in the news and
a large number of individuals of both sexes and varying ages have sought advice and guidance.
One was from a widow over 50 years and another from a mother wanting advice as to which '0'
levels her daughter should take in order to qualify her for training at a later date. All this is very
encouraging.
S. A. Abley
Social Work Adviser
Health Education
ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN
The Health Education year began with a five day (2nd to 6th January) campaign held at
the Ross Wyld Hall. The response was very good indeed.
WELCOME TO CITIZENSHIP
A special evening was inaugurated by the Council and an exhibition was held in the Town
Hall on the 23rd January at which each department of the Council displayed its work. This exhibition
proved so popular that it is to be an annual event in which the Health Department will play
its part.
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