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Early in the year a programme was drawn up for children aged
13-15 years, covering various subjects in the field of community health
and with the co-operation of head teachers, teachers, health visitors
and public health inspectors it appears that the lessons taught have
been applied with considerable success. The programme scheduled to
last one term with weekly sessions, was followed by a simple questionnaire
and it is this latter which suggests that the programme met
with some success.
School children are encouraged to visit the Health Education
Section and have done so freely—at times bringing parents along—
particularly when seeking aid with projects they have undertaken.
During the year there have been several requests by Parent/
Teacher Associations for talks on Health Education and for parents to
have the opportunity to see some of the films shown to their children.
The parents were also able to discuss some of their worries with regard
to the problems confronting the adolescent of today. These have
been most worthwhile, not only we hope to the parents, but to the
Teaching and Health Department Staff as well.
In order to comply with the Ministry of Health's request to
promote anti-smoking teaching in schools, it was decided to engage
the services of the Inner London Education Authority, which has a
Health Education Unit for this specific purpose. With the co-operation
of the Education Department, the Unit carried out a two-week programme
during July, visiting the senior schools in the Borough.
Civic Exhibition
The work of the Health Department was this year portrayed
under the heading 'The Seven Ages of Man (Variations on a Theme)
and His Environment'. Services available to each group of the community
were shown under appropriate symbols and attracted much
attention.
'Old People's Week'
Display stands illustrating the needs of the elderly and the
dangers which beset them were exhibited in various department stores
and libraries throughout the Borough, with encouraging results. More
than 50 offers were received for friendly visiting, one part-time driver
for the meals on wheels service and one business man offered to provide
work which could be done in the workshops for the elderly, and
many enquiries were dealt with. I should like to convey my thanks
to the Guild of Social Welfare for their co-operation and help during
this campaign.
Chiropody Service
The Council's chiropody service caters for the elderly, the registered
blind or partially sighted, the physically handicapped and
expectant and nursing mothers. It comprises two separate schemes:—
(a) The Direct Scheme whereby application is made to the
Medical Officer of Health and authority is given, to those eligible,
to have a fixed number of treatments carried out by any chiropodist
on the Council's panel.
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