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The 564 blind and partially sighted are visited regularly
by the Social Welfare Officers and assisted with their many
and diverse problems, apart from being taught Braille, Moon
and a variety of handicrafts. Co-operation with other agencies
ensures that blind persons are found employment when suitable
and assistance is also given in providing holidays. (Appendix 40).
One of the most exciting developments this year was the
commencement of a survey of the requirements of the deaf
and hard-of-hearing persons in nedbridge. We were fortunate
in obtaining two places on a course of training in manual
communication with the deaf organised by the Essex County
Council Welfare Department. With a countrywide shortage of
Welfare Officers for the Deaf, the possibility of appointing
a qualified Officer was negligible. The two Officers who have
undertaken training have begun their formidible task of
visiting the deaf and ascertaining their needs and in future
years an appropriate service will be developed. Deafness
almost invariably equates with isolation and loneliness, and
these conditions in their turn bring many mental problems in
their train. Social work of an exceptionally high standard is
necessary in this situation and the need to integrate deaf
persons into the community is vital. In a small way we have
commenced this task. (Appendix 41).
Since the National Assistance Act of 1948 was introduced,
the Welfare Service has been the Service primarily responsible
for dealing with the problems of families, and particularly
those who become homeless through unforeseen circumstances.
On the 1st April, 1965, there were seven families in temporary
accommodation in a joint-user establishment at
Hornchurch, and one hundred families "at risk" being visited
by the family caseworker.
Since then, the number of families "in care" and "at risk"
has increased and additional Social Workers will be engaged
to undertake the valuable work of rehabilitation and support.
The Council has obtained premises in Grosvenor Road,
where families will not only be provided with temporary
accommodation, but will be assisted with their personal
problems and helped where necessary to take their place in
society with the same standards and accepting the same
obligations. This new unit in Redbridge is far in advance of
many such units in the country, demonstrating as it does the
Council's belief in the dignity and freedom of the individual,
coupled with the acceptance of the community's obligation
to the less fortunate, and there are high hopes that this
venture will set a pattern for other Authorities to follow.