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'Outdoor trips were undertaken, and these
played a big part in increasing self-confidence. It
was noted that even high-grade trainees were
nervous when paying for fares collectively. At the
same time care had to be taken that too much
was not asked of them. It was felt that the more
complicated trips should be confined to the higher
grades, and the physical handicaps as well as the
mental should be borne in mind with a careful
assessment of their temperaments.
'One felt that the relaxed discipline at Acton
Lodge was of great value to the trainees when
seeking a job. It was felt that more thought should
be devoted to this aspect.
'At all times they were treated as adults and
the response to this was gratifying. One compared
the lethargy when first starting the classes to the
alertness, initiative and self-confidence now
prevailing. One noted the discipline and good
manners in the class, and a real desire to learn.
'One goes on demanding just a little more than
they are able to give, and hopes to set them on
their way to face up to an adult world where, in
many cases, little allowance will be made for their
handicap. On looking back over the year it is the
increase in self-confidence and discipline which
is the most marked feature, apart from academic
improvement.'
Brentford Adult Training Centre
Following a review of the factory space related to
productivity, Messrs Ranton & Co asked the
council to consider making contributions towards
the overhead costs of the training centre, all of
which had hitherto been met by the company. The
council agreed to the request and the amount is
to be reviewed annually. At the same time it was
agreed that the council would be rather more
selective in the trainees sent there and because of
this the number of trainees has been reduced to
about 40.
During the year one trainee left to take up
outside employment.
Visitors to Junior Training Schools and
Adult Training Centres
The number of both home and overseas visitors
from various disciplines appears to be increasing
and a system is now in use to record these visits.
Holiday Camp for the Mentally Handicapped
Adults
The department organised a nine-day holiday
camp at the St Mary's Bay Holiday Centre, Kent,
in the late summer for trainees at the Acton
Lodge, Brentford and Southall Adult Training
Centres. The Southall Centre was included in
co-operation with the London Borough of Ealing
as it would not have been economical for that
borough to arrange a camp for this small centre.
A mixed party of 36 men and 26 women went
to the camp and of the total of 62, 16 were
residents of Hounslow.
The Manager of the Acton Lodge Adult Centre
arranged fund raising efforts and the local
Societies for Mentally Handicapped Children
made donations resulting in a total of nearly £80
being available for entertainment and 'extras' at
the camp.
Children
The council sponsored 7 children at a holiday
organised by the London Borough of Hillingdon
at Park Place School, Henley. Three other children
attended holiday camps arranged by the National
Society for Mentally Handicapped Children.
All of the holidays were very successful and I
am indebted to the staff, both local authority and
volunteers for their assistance in running the
camps and to Mr Simpson and the various
branches of the Society for Mentally Handicapped
Children who raised money for camp amenities
and entertainment.
Short Term Care
During 1967 arrangements were made for 26
severely subnormal patients, mostly children, to
have a total of 34 periods of short term care
varying between two and eight weeks. Thirteen of
these were awaiting permanent admission to
hospital but short term care became necessary
either because of crises at home or to give the
families some respite from the constant care of
difficult patients.
Of the 34 periods of short term care arranged,
32 were accommodated in National Health Service
hospitals, mainly Leavesden Hospital, one in
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