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thought and planning for a permanent appointment, co-ordinating many aspects of mental
health work for adults and children in the Borough, and should prove a key development
in implementing the provisions of the new Mental Health Act.
Mr. Havenette's appointment as whole-time Educational Psychologist to the Education
Department, with sessions seconded to the Child Guidance Clinic as required, has already
proved successful and stimulating both to work in the Clinic and in the schools.
The Clinic received a serious set-back in November, 1959, when Miss H.E. Sykes resigned
her appointment as Psychiatric Social Worker. Although Miss Sykes had been in West Ham for
less than 2 years, she had become a most valued member and friend of all the staff, of many
families coming to the Clinic, and had initiated or re-opened many links with other workers
in fields of child and adult work for mental health. Her going leaves a very big gap in the
service here, and it is hoped that a replacement will be possible before too long. Many
people regret her departure, but wish her well in her new work.
In September 1959, the much needed increase in office staff occurred, and Miss Denise
Weisner was appointed to assist Mrs. Peters. This appointment has helped everyone considerably.
COMMENT ON ANNUAL FIGURES
There was a considerable reduction In the number of psychiatric interviews due to the
reduction in psychiatric sessions during the year. The total number of cases dealt with
remained approximately the same as for 1958, though more cases were tested and seen for
diagnosis and advice only. This was partly due to the staff shortage, which made it
Impossible to take on for further service all the families we should have liked to. In this
context the lack of a part-time psychotherapist is keenly felt, and it is hoped that a
psychotherapist will be appointed soon, if the Clinic service Is to be maintained at a
satisfactory level.
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST'S WORK
1. Remedial Coaching- decline in interviews because some Clinic cases
have been referred to their nearest remedial centre.
Group Coaching- formation of a group of junior school children for
educational therapy under the skilled care of Miss Marshall. Progress
for individual children has been encouraging. Clinic is concerned
with devising adequate means of objectively assessing improved adjustment.
Miss Marshall resigned her appointment here to work in the Liverpool Child Guidance
Clinic. The Clinic owes a great debt to Miss Marshall for excellent work, her sympathy
and understanding with disturbed children and her contributions to the Clinic team as a
whole. She carries our best wishes in her new appointment.
We were asked by the Hitor of the Course for Teachers of Maladjusted Children (Institute)
of Education) to take on a student for the first two terms of the current year. As a result,
Mr. Evans has been attending the Clinic every Wednesday where he has observed and taken part
in remedial work of the Clinic. A tribute must be paid to his great interest in the work
and his initiative and keenness in helping in the Clinic's activities.
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