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48
Community Care
HOMELESS FAMILIES AND FAMILIES AT RISK
It is the object of the Council, through the provision of its social services, to prevent, whenever
possible, families being rendered homeless. When families, in danger of eviction, come to the notice
of the Department, social welfare officers make regular visits to give advice and support, and are
sometimes able to help the families overcome their difficulties.
If families do become homeless they may be admitted to one of the Council's hostels, of which
there are two—Highgrove House at Eastcote and Mead House at Hayes, the latter being a rehabilitation
hostel where specialised instruction may be given in appropriate cases. There are 14 units of
accommodation at Highgrove House and Mead House has room for 9 families.
The most important development in 1969 as far as homeless families are concerned was the
extension of temporary accommodation by the provision of six houses.
The Housing Committee agreed to release 6 houses in Hayes for the use of the Health and
Welfare Department as the third stage of rehabilitation, following up the help given in the two
Hostels.
The first two families moved to these houses just before the end of the year.

For part of the year the second floor accommodation at Highgrove House was closed while
certain fire prevention work was carried out.
During the year 543 home visits were made by the social welfare officer responsible for family
casework.