View report page

65
(e) The Voluntary Welfare Services
In addition to the services organised by the Old People's
Welfare Committee, the Womens Voluntary Service, the British Red
Cross Society and the Old Age Pensioners Association all do valuable
work among the aged.
Old People s Welfare Committee
This Committee was established to provide for the welfare of
the old people of Tottenham. Six members of the Council serve on
the Committee and representatives are also appointed by the majority
of local organisations who in some way are concerned with old people s
welfare. A full time organiser and an assistant are employed on
the work of the Committee. The following information has been
extracted from the Annual Report of its Chairman. The Lady Morrison
The activities of the Committee include the provision of
chiropody and visiting optical services, delivery of Meals on
Wheels organisation of old peoples clubs, distribution of gifts,
and arranging assisted holidays.. In addition there is a considerable
amount o f general wel fare vi si ting and advice by the Welfare Organiser
who maintains a close liaison with all who have official responsibilities
for health and welfare in the borough.
The chiropody service provided by the Old Peoples Welfare
Committee for elderly people helps to cover a gap in the local
health services caused by the refusal of the Ministry of Health to
approve any extension ofthe chiropody service provided under section
28ofthe National Health Service Act 1946. The following figures
illustrate the growing demand for this type of,clinic.
Year 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956
(8 months)
No. of appointments 680 1,660 1,930 2,550 3,270
SUMMARY OF OLD PEOPLE S WELFARE SERVICES
Home Visits 267
Office Interviews 3 368
Chiropody appointments 3 270
Optical Service Visits 22
Meals served by Meals on Wheels 4 860
Holidays arranged 114
Shoe repair dockets issued 42