[Report 1967] / Medical Officer of Health, Cumberland County Council.

  • Cumberland County Council
Date:
1967
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1967] / Medical Officer of Health, Cumberland County Council. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    187/270 (page 183)
    employirent. The aim of the workshop is to provide satisfying work under sheltered condiuons in congenial surroundings. Im- portant as this may be, the welfaie of the employees goes beyond the provision of a paid job—it should permeate the working en- vironment, the home and the family. I have been delighted at the happy atmosphere which prevails at the workshops, and the team spirit which is so evident. The relationships which have been built up auger well for the future—management, foremen, employees and trainees have worked together with enthusiasm under conditions of rapid change. In the home situation, the home teachers of the blind and the social welfare officers lend their active support as, and when, necessary. Apart from the excellent canteen facilities, it is per- haps indicative of the community atmosphere to mention that a lively “Blind Welfare Club” meets in the former hostel every Tuesday evening for purely social purooses. This club is also attended by wives and friends of the employees, and by other blind or partially sighted people living in the locality. It is run Iby a committee of employees with such help as may be necessary from the Manager and his office staff. Staff parties and outings are regular features in their activities. My grateful thanks are du* to the Joint Committee for their continuing support, and to the staff and employees for their loyalty. The Manager gives freely of his spare time in talking to (interested groups (Women’s Institutes, Rotary Clubs, and many church organisations) about the sheltered work provision for the ■ blind and severely disabled. I am sure that this form of publicity 1 has great value in enlightening the public about our (and their) I responsibilities to the handicapped. Many of the organisations ■ follow up these talks by accepting an invitation to visit the work- shops. It has long been recognised that serious disabilities are fre- iquently accompanied by other handicaps and accordingly the general health level of the employees is much below average. This is reflected in a high sickness rate and, unfortunately, in the loss of valuable workers through death at relatively early ages.