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Children from Camden attending junior training centres in other Boroughs were transferred
on 1 March to the Rosemary Junior Training School (Islington) and at the end of the year there
were 28 Camden children attending there, and 5 children in the special care unit attached to the
junior training school. 42 adults attended training centres in other Boroughs. Suitable trainees
were given the opportunity of being included in the annual organised holiday for 2 weeks at St. Mary's
Bay, Dymchurch and 14 participated.
Families of these patients were visited regularly and given guidance, advice and support
in the care of the sub-normal. In addition, practical help was maintained viz, home help, transport
to training centres, nursery units, the provision of nursing aids, e.g. wheelchair. 37 patients
received periods of short-term care in hospitals and approved homes and 26 received long term
residential care.
Children leaving schools for the educationally sub-normal were followed up by the social
workers, who co-operated with the Youth Employment Officers in settling the children in suitable
work.
SOCIAL CLUB
A social club for Camden's mentally handicapped young people started in June, meets on
Tuesday evenings in the large ground floor room at the Tonbridge Club, Cromer Street, W.C.I.
12-15 members attend weekly. Their ages range from 16-25 years with approximately equal numbers
of men and women attending. Most of the members are conveyed to the club by mint-bus. The club
provides an Informal atmosphere where young people can make friends and pursue recreational
activities appropriate to their ability and Interest.
DOMICILIARY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
An occupational therapist joined the mental health team at the beginning of November
1966 and after starting with 10 patients the number had nearly doubled by the end of the year.
People with various types of mental disorder including severe sub-normality, depression, schizophrenia,
anxiety states, and brain damage were visited.
Each patient is assessed and the main aim of treatment is decided jointly by the occupational
therapist and the social worker; each patient being treated individually at home.
Activities used are those which constitute a daily routine, e.g. cooking, shopping, meal
planning, washing, travelling and relaxation; a variety of handicrafts; basic reading, writing and
use of money. Visits are daily or weekly according to the need or programme. After sufficient
progress, patients may be introduced to a centre or club.
SOCIAL WORK
Owing to the expansion of existing services and the development of new projects, the
mental health team has been increased by one member and the team now numbers 15 full-time
officers.
There is no doubt that the efficiency of the mental health service depends upon close
co-operation with the authority's own services and with outside agencies. Mutual consultation and
exchange of ideas has now become an established feature between the mental health social workers
and colleagues in other departments and agencies. A weekly case discussion is held in the section,
and this has been found a useful way for other professional workers to learn of the work undertaken
by the team.
HOSPITAL SERVICE
The Borough continues to be served by Harperbury Hospital for its mentally sub-normal
patients and Horton and Friern Hospital for its mentally ill. In addition, University College Hospital,
North Wing, provides a certain number of beds for patients, for observation and treatment. The Royal
Homoeopathic and Whittington Hospitals have been particularly helpful in taking our severely handicapped
children for periods of short-term care.
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