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Hitherto, the only occupational therapy available to patients has been the
"Diversional Therapy" scheme of the British Red Cross Society. The few patients whp
have taken advantage of it have benefitted, but the scheme itself is also designed to
aid the funds of the Society. The use of Occupational Therapy should be much increased
in future, as arrangements have now been completed for medically recommended cases to
attend as Out-Patients at the Occupational Therapy Unit at Plaistow Hospital. This
arrangement is expected to prove a great asset to certain tuberculous patients, for not
only will It occupy idle minds, but in many cases is likely to be the first step in complete
rehabilitation. To the enterprising patient there could also be a financial advantage.
Once again., the high cost of clothing and bedding these days has proved to be outside
the pockets of family Incomes seriously reduced because of Illness, and 52 patients have
been helped In this way. The Personal Service League has given a gratefully appreciated
service in this connection, for not only have good clothes been made available at prices
much less than those in the shops, but also a good quantity has been supplied free of charge.
Financial aid has been obtained for a variety of reasons, usually for clothing and
bedding, for extra nourishment, and for fares to relatives visiting patients in Hospital.
Some of the former have been met by the National Assistance Board, but the Voluntary
Societies have given by far the greatest help towards meeting these needs. In most cases.
Regimental and Service Funds have been the source of supply, and in this connection the
services of Miss White of the Forces Help Society, the co-ordinating organisation for all
Service funds, have been indispensable. Her co-operation with the Almoner and the Tuberculosis
Visitors is greatly valued. Where no Service Funds are available, the patients have usually
been referred to the Friends of the Poor, and the R.L. Glasspool Trust, both of which have
given help generously when needed. When these resources have failed, the Emergency Fund
which is financed by a grant from the Sunday Entertainments Fund, has helped In 9 cases,
and were referred to the Mayor's Distress Fund.
The office at the Balaam Street Baths has had some new equipment during the year, but
there is still some necessary improvement to be made. Mrs.Bedwell has given faithful and
useful service as half-time secretary, and her resignation at the end of the year was
received with regret.
The toy distribution was repeated this year, but parcels were not available for old
people. A very small selected group of very needy families were referred to the Womens
Voluntary Service for food parcels.

* Includes children sent to Fyfield Open Air
School and to School Camps.
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