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Community Care 47
Transport
In March the Department took delivery of a special coach designed to carry handicapped people.
The vehicle was built by Dennis Motors of Guildford, and has the capacity to carry 10 handicapped
persons, who can be secured in their seats, as well as up to four persons in wheelchairs. The coach has
a hydraulic tail lift to raise the wheelchairs and any persons unable to negotiate the steps.
The vehicle is very much used, both during day-time and in the evenings. Handicapped persons are
conveyed to various classes and activities both within and without the borough as well as a daily
journey to and from the Work Centre. The department also has a minibus which is available to transport
the less severely handicapped.
Work Centre
The Work Centre for Handicapped Persons at The Lynch, Uxbridge, provides for 45 handicapped
persons to work for three hours a day, for five days a week. The materials necessary are provided by
local industry. In addition to the transport provided by the Council mentioned above, some persons
travel in their invalid cars and some even manage by public transport.
Those who are getting sickness benefit have their earnings limited to 39s. 11d. per week, but
attendance at the work centre is considered to be of considerable therapeutic value.
An outing to the coast was arranged for those handicapped persons attending the centre, and this,
apparently, was very much enjoyed.
Handcraft Classes
The department is grateful for the assistance given by the British Red Cross Society in arranging
instruction in handcrafts in various parts of the borough. The Council assists with transport.
Attendances average:—
Eastcote—31 Uxbridge—28 Hayes—21
Choral Class
As arrangements for commencing a choral class in this borough had not been completed, handicapped
persons were transported to a class in Greenford. On average 19 persons from Hillingdon
Borough attended these classes.
Gardening Class
This class continues to be held at Norwood Hall, Southall, where special facilities are available.
Each week 10 handicapped persons from the Borough attend.
Holidays
During 1967 holidays were arranged for 65 handicapped persons. Some 34 persons travelled to a
holiday camp at St. Leonard's-on-Sea where they were assisted by four members of the department's
staff and two voluntary workers. One member of the staff, a matron of a Residential Home, was a
trained nurse, and her experience and nursing skill proved invaluable during this fortnight's holiday.
Other parties enjoyed holidays at Shaftesbury Society camps.
In some cases financial assistance was given to persons making private arrangements.
Car Badges
Special badges were issued to 22 persons who drive invalid cars or adapted vehicles. These badges
are easily identifiable and enable the police to assist the handicapped to park their vehicles.
Visits
Social Welfare Officers made 2,315 domiciliary visits to handicapped persons during the year.