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There are no formal facilities for training, but in April of this year (1952)
the Central Council for Health Education arranged a talk specially for the Home Helps
in West Ham. The subject was "Health in the Home"; and it was understood that the
Central Council regarded it as in the nature of a trial venture which would guide them
in considering whether to adopt something of the kind as part of their regular service.
From the Health Service point of view it was a great success. The 100 or so Home Helps
who attended took a keen interest in the subject, which was adapted to suit their
particular needs, and a lively discussion followed. We are deeply indebted to
Dr. Dalziel-Ward, the lecturer, both for his ready co-operation in drawing up this
lecture at our request and for the skilful manner in which he held the interest of his
audience.
The lecture was held in the hall of the Municipal College in order to accommodate
the numbers with comfort, and we are glad to take this opportunity of expressing our
thanks to the Education Committee for placing it at our disposal.
The response of the Home Helps to this talk showed clearly that they took a
pride in their work and had a great sense of corporate responsibility. It is hoped to
follow up this good beginning by further measures to hold the Home Helps' interest.
The detailed statistics for 1952 are set out below:General
Sickness.
No. of applications received 424
No. withdrawn or refused 47
New cases accepted during 1952 377
Males 58
Females 319
No. of cases on books at end of 1951 445
Total No. of persons receiving home help during 1952 822
No. of cases on books at end of 1952 482
Ages of applicants to whom home help was supplied:-
Under 50 57 = 15.1%
Between 50/59 29 = 7.8%
Between 60/69 75 = 20.0%
Between 70/79 131 = 34.6%
Between 80/89 79 = 21.0%
Between 90/99 6 = 1.5%
377 100.0%
Cases assessed to pay 237
Cases free 140
Average number of hours of service per case per week 6.6
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