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the mothers in money making schemes. Now whilst the mothers chat over
a cup of tea, the toddlers play happily.
The mothers, have in fact, formed themselves into a mother's club
at the Centre, in order to meet and chat. This is a useful meeting place
for lonely mothers and many friendships develop; even the occasional
father at times calls in for a cup of tea.
The Health Visitor, too, is at liberty to introduce mothers she feels
Would benefit, such as people who are mentally ill. The idea gradually
extended to a second afternoon, owing to increased numbers. The
mothers do form themselves into rotas for minding so that if a mother
wanted to have a "hair do" or shop in peace, she could go off feeling
happy about the care of her children. The group have now joined the
National group of the "Working Association of Mothers"; they have many
ideals which, alas, are too many to list. From our point of view the idea
of one mother helping another in an emergency or illness, is highly commendable.
Mayesbrook Clinic
This clinic shows signs of change. On the nearby estate we find
the children have grown up and are working. The numbers at the Child
Health Centre and School Clinic tend to drop and so changes in sessions
are needed. Some larger families have been re-housed but this has
created certain problems, plus the fact that this has; involved the
severing of family ties (not forgetting statutory supporting services).
The clinic is well used and mothers gradually get used to new ideas
like the toddlers Clinic.
South Park Clinic
The clinic has settled down well, and is very busy. We have been
unable to expand outside our Child Health Toddler and Hearing Sessions.
The nearby estate still has to be finished and we find removals
make a lot of work, people tending to move in and out quickly at first.
We also have had a shortage of Health Visitors and supporting
Clinic Nurses at this clinic.