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49
Community Care
their own problems. The Social Welfare Officer dealing with homeless families and families at risk
continued his efforts to prevent evictions by giving intensive support in appropriate cases.
Throughout there was close liaison with the Housing Department and the other agencies concerned
with these families.
WELFARE OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
On 31st December, 1966, 525 persons who were permanently and substantially handicapped were
on the Register maintained by this Borough under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act, 1948.
During the period under review, there were 109 new registrations, and 72 names were removed, leaving
562 persons registered at 31st December, 1966. In addition to the above, there are 98 people who are
on the register of deaf persons but who have no other disability.
Adaptations
In order to assist them in their daily living, adaptations were carried out in the homes of 40 handicapped
persons at a total cost of £1,276 16s. 10d., of which £197 8s. 5d. was recoverable. The adaptations
included the installation of handrails, the provision of ramps, widening of doorways and
alterations to bathrooms and toilets.
Aids
Aids were issued to 183 persons at a total cost of £485 16s. 3d., of which £44 16s. Od. was recoverable.
Work Centre
The Work Centre for Handicapped Persons at the Lynch, Uxbridge, provides an opportunity
for over 40 handicapped persons to work for three hours a day for five days a week carrying out work
which is provided by local industry. Transport is provided by the Council and by one of the firms
providing work. Some of the handicapped persons use public transport, and others travel in their
invalid cars.
Those who are in receipt of sickness benefit have their earnings limited to 39s. l1d. per week, but
the attendance at the work centre is considered to be of considerable therapeutic value.
Handcraft Classes
Handcraft Classes for handicapped persons are held in Uxbridge, Hayes and Eastcote each week,
in conjunction with the British Red Cross Society. The Council assists with transport.
Attendances average:—
Eastcote—31 Uxbridge—28 Hayes—21
Choral Class
There is no choral class for the handicapped held in this Borough, but on average 19 persons from
Hillingdon attend a choral class in Greenford, and transport is provided.
Gardening Class
A gardening class for handicapped persons is held at Norwood Hall, Southall, each week and 10
handicapped people from the borough attend. Transport is provided.
Holidays
Holidays were arranged for 57 handicapped persons. The majority of these were at a holiday
home at St. Leonard's-on-Sea or a guest house at Bognor Regis. A number of the department's staff
provided the necessary help and they were assisted by members of the British Red Cross Society.