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VOLUNTARY SERVICES FOR THE AGED
The Women's Royal Voluntary Services continued to give invaluable help in the day-to-day operation
of the meals-on-wheels service and at two of the luncheon clubs. At the other luncheon clubs, all of
which are entirely staffed by volunteers, much essential help was given by members of the League of Jewish
Women and by private individual helpers, many of whom have continued to do this work for many years since
the inception of the various clubs.
The Wembley and Willesden Divisions of the British Red Cross Society maintained their traditional
services among the elderly including visiting, chiropody, escorting on holidays and outings, and the loan of
wheel-chairs and nursing equipment.
In March and April, the Department organised a series of training and information lectures for the
benefit of voluntary workers among the elderly and for those interested in taking up such work.
It is pleasing to record an increase during the year of offers of assistance to elderly people, particularly
those living alone, from such organisations as the League of Jewish Women, Jewish Youth Voluntary Service,
Brent Branch of International Voluntary Service, local church congregations and senior school pupils. The
assistance included social visits, shopping, re-decorating of rooms and tending to gardens.
The majority of afternoon clubs for the elderly, which organise many activities for their members in
addition to their regular meetings, are run by voluntary organisations such as the League of Jewish Women
(Friendship Clubs for the Jewish elderly), the W.R.V.S. (Darby and Joan Clubs), the B.R.C.S. (Evergreen
Clubs), the National Federation of Old Age Pensions Associations, Community Associations, Churches and
private groups. Much voluntary work was also done at the full-time Clubs.
The Brent Christmas Comforts Fund for Old People, a registered charity comprising the members of
the Old People's Sub-Committee, received much voluntary assistance in raising funds.
LAUNDRY SERVICE FOR THE INCONTINENT AGED
A laundry service for the incontinent elderly is administered by the Council. The articles are laundered
at Neasden Hospital by arrangement with the Central Middlesex Group Hospital Management Committee
and at Colindale Hospital under a similar arrangement with the Hendon Group Hospital Management
Committee. Transport is provided by the Borough Council.
Patients are referred by hospitals, doctors, home nurses and relatives. The service enables patients,
who would be admitted to hospital, to be nursed at home and more beds are thus available for urgent cases.
It was greatly appreciated by the patients and their relatives.