View report page

Community Care
47
Altogether 81 applications were received from families who were homeless or about to become
homeless. It was not necessary to admit all these families to temporary accommodation, as in some
cases the Social Welfare Officers were able to give advice which enabled the families to solve their
own problems.
Staff dealing with families at risk continued their efforts to prevent evictions by giving support
in appropriate cases. A number of families in Council houses who were in arrears with their rent
payments have been visited by Social Work staff, with a view to preventive measures being taken.
Close liaison was maintained with the Housing Department throughout and families have been
accepted for housing from Hostel accommodation on the recommendation of the Chief Welfare
Officer, and with the approval of the Chairmen of the appropriate Committees.
During the year, 653 home visits and office interviews were carried out by Social Welfare Officers
responsible for homeless families.
WELFARE OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
On 31st December, 1967, 696 permanently and substantially handicapped persons were on the
register maintained by this borough under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act, 1948. During the
year there were 214 new registrations, and 131 names were removed from the register, leaving 779
persons registered at 31st December, 1968.
Adaptations
In order to assist them to retain as much independence as possible, adaptations were carried out
in the homes of 61 handicapped persons at a total cost of £1,499, of which £311 6s. l1d. was
recoverable by contributions from the handicapped persons. 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 408 handicapped persons at a total cost of £1,566 16s. 8d. No charge is made
for these aids, but they are issued on loan and returned when no longer required by the handicapped
person.
Welfare of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
During 1968 a Welfare Officer for the Deaf at last was appointed to the Department, after little
response to many previous advertisements.
Before the formation of the Borough in 1965 the welfare of the Deaf was a responsibility of the
Royal Association in Aid of the Deaf and Dumb. In 1965 the Association decided to leave the welfare
of the deaf and hard of hearing to Local Authorities apart from the spiritual aspect.
The number of deaf and hard of hearing in the Borough was very much an unknown quantity
and the newly appointed Social Welfare Officer is in the process of tracing cases from old records
as well as discovering new cases.
He has been able to assist some individuals by finding suitable employment for them.
Transport
The Department has a special vehicle for transporting handicapped persons. It has the capacity
to carry 10 handicapped persons, who can be secured in their seats, as well as up to 4 persons in
wheelchairs. The coach has a hydraulic tail lift to raise the wheelchairs and any persons unable to
negotiate the steps. It is used during the day-time and in the evenings to convey handicapped persons
to various classes and activities both within and without the Borough, and also does a daily journey
to and from the Work Centre. (Plate 8 illustrates this vehicle).
The less severely handicapped are able to use the Department's minibus.