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48
Community Care
Work Centre
The Work Centre at the Lynch continued to provide work for 45 handicapped persons for 3 hours
a day 5 days a week, Industry providing the necessary materials. Handicapped persons travel to the
Centre in their invalid cars, by public transport or by the Council transport mentioned above.
Attendance at the Work Centre is considered to be of considerable therapeutic value, and those
who are receiving sickness benefit have their earnings limited to 39/11d. per week.
An outing to the coast was again arranged for those handicapped persons attending the Centre.
Handcraft Classes
Valuable assistance is given by the British Red Cross Society in arranging instruction in handcrafts
in various parts of the Borough. The Council assists with transport, and gives financial support.
Attendances average:—
Eastcote—30 Uxbridge—22 Hayes—21
Social Club
During 1968 the British Red Cross Society, Ruislip and Northwood Branch, started a Club for
the younger physically handicapped. This is held weekly at the Northwood Centre, and is attended
by approximately 20 persons under the age of 40 years. It has proved to be very popular.
Choral Class
In September, 1968, a Choral Class for the Physically Handicapped was formed within the
Borough. For some years, handicapped persons from this Borough had been transported to a class
in Greenford, by arrangement with the London Borough of Ealing. Although this class was very
popular, owing to the distance involved, transporting the people was rather a lengthy process, and
resulted in some of them reaching home very late at night. By arrangement with the Education
Department of Hillingdon Borough, a class is now held at the Manor School, Ruislip each week,
and is attended by approximately 24 handicapped persons.
Gardening Class
This class continues to be held at Norwood Hall, Southall, where special facilities are available.
Five handicapped persons from the Borough attend each week.
Holidays
During the year holidays were arranged for 52 handicapped persons. A holiday camp on the
Isle of Sheppey was chosen this year and 30 persons were accommodated, assisted by members of
the Department's staff and two voluntary workers. One member of staff, who is a trained nurse,
and the matron of one of the Residential Homes, again proved invaluable during this fortnight's
holiday, with her experience and nursing skill. Other parties enjoyed holidays at Shaftesbury Society
Camps, and holiday centres, administered by other voluntary organisations.
In some cases financial assistance was given to persons making private arrangements.
Car Badges
Sixty handicapped persons, who drive invalid cars, have been issued with special badges. These
are easily identifiable and enable the police to assist them to park their vehicles.
Visits
Social Welfare Officers made 3,083 domiciliary visits to handicapped persons during the year.