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27.3.3 Regular visits by social workers continue to be made to families of the mentally
handicapped, and support, advice and guidance on the care of the patients given. 34
children and adults received periods of short term care in hospitals and approved homes
in 1967, and 32 in 1968. 24 were receiving long-term residential care at the end of 1967
and 33 at the end of 1968. In 1967, one boy was sent on an E.S.N. Socialization Course
run by the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children for a period of three
months.
27.3.4.1 (a) Fitzroy Industrial Training Centre
Camden's first Industrial Centre opened on 18th March 1968 in Council
premises at 40/44a Fitzroy Road, Primrose Hill, with 40 male and female
trainees. This centre, which can cater for up to 50 - 60 trainees, is in an area
due for redevelopment within a few years, and a purpose-built replacement for
more than double the number is being planned. It has an industrial orientation
and provides purposeful activity in a "factory floor" rather than a "schoolroom"
setting, although for the younger trainees some education is undertaken.
The work programme is supplemented by domestic and social training. A variety
of light industrial work is contracted from local firms and authorities, including:-
Royal Sovereign Pens Limited — assembly of ball point pens
Frigidaire Limited — electrical assembly
Britains Limited — assembly of toys
Myrstans Limited — assembly of boxed games
Nova Electrics — light bulb packing
Narrarmore and Tozer Limited — assembly of screw parts
Greater London Council — wood articles
Camden Borough Council — printing of visiting cards
Incentive payments are made to the trainees on a sliding scale, and
they are assessed according to their social and working capabilities, taking into
account regularity of attendance, ability and effort. Payments vary between
2s. 6d. and £2 per week. Transport is provided for those unable to travel alone
and training is given for travelling on public transport; at present 30 per cent,
travel on their own. By the end of the year, there were 53 on the register and
3 trainees had obtained outside employment.
27.3.4.2 (b) Venture House
The hostel for 12 employable mentally subnormal adults opened in
March 1968 at 3 Pond Street, N.W.3, a large semi-detached house in a residential
area. Most residents have a single room, but there is one small dormitory
for three and a communal dining-room and lounge. Both the warden and his
deputy are resident, and besides running the hostel they are responsible for
helping the residents find employment and for dealing with problems which
arise in relation to their work and social activities. Evenings at the hostel
often centre around the lounge, and television, games and sometimes discussions
are used to help the residents feel that Venture House in their home. At 31st
December, 1968, there were 7 residents, of whom 4 were in employment and
3 attended the adult industrial centre.
27.3.4.3 (c) Play Centres
The training schools for mentally handicapped children close down in
school holidays. Catering for the children at home while the schools are closed
often presents difficulties, and the children may be deprived of the companionship
of their fellows. In an endeavour to overcome some of these difficulties, we
were able in 1967 to initiate a scheme whereby a number of our mentally
handicapped children attended borough play centres. Voluntary workers from
Task Force and the Camden Council for Social Service helped the play centre
staff, caring for the children and helping them in their play. At Easter, about a
dozen children attended 3 play centres for 1 to 2 weeks. In 1968, it was felt
that these facilities should be available for most of the trainees during the
holidays, and accordingly arrangements were made for the 12 children to attend
3 days each week. Over the whole holiday period, some 60 voluntary helpers
from Task Force were involved and, because of their interest, a tea party at
which two mental health films were shown was arranged for volunteers. Thus
we were able to further the mental health education which they had received
on a practical level at the play centres. This activity continues successfully,
thanks to the whole-hearted and enthusiastic co-operation of all concerned.
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