24 MAY 1935, Page 19

A METHOD OF SOCIAL SERVICE

rep

LA 0 the Editor Of TIIE SPECTATOR] Sin,—Social Service offers an outlet for the enterprise and enthusiasm of the younger generation, which they have not• been slow to grasp, and one of the most encouraging features of modern thought is their determination to attack social, problems at their origin and not to be content with a detached survey from above. Moreover, many of them realize the difficulties as well as the possibilities of social work, and are quite prepared to make a serious study of the complex prob- lems which it presents. For those who are anxious to take up such work, but who are uncertain as to how to commence, we should like to call attention to the opportunities offered by the Invalid Children's Aid Association.

Founded nearly fifty years ago for the personal care of poor invalid children, the Association has in that period assisted a' number exceeding a quarter of a million. The whole of the work is based on a personal interest in the individual child, and thus requires the service of a large number of individuals who are prepared to devote to it a considerable portion of their time. The work involves the visiting of sick children in their homes, interviewing parents, arranging convalescence, and dealing with correspondence. But for their service to be of any value those who undertake this work must undergo definite courses of training. Courses are provided of a thor- oughly practical nature, giving a clear insight into the prob- lems involved, and the methods which long experience has shown to be the best, and anyone who wishes to undertake social service in any form will find here an admirable portal of entry.

The rapid extension of London into great districts beyond its original boundaries has raised these problems in an acute form, since vast towns are springing up devoid of any tradition of social service or of any organizations by which their needs can be met. It is the demands of these areas which have impelled us to make this appeal for voluntary workers, anxious to equip themselves for such work.

Arrangements are being made for a gathering of those who are attracted by such opportunities for voluntary work, where its possibilities and requirements will be fully explained. Any who are interested should apply to the Secretary of the Invalid Childrcn's Aid Association, 117 Piccadilly, W.

Yours faithfully,

H. S. Sourraa, Chairman, Invalid Children's Aid Association. Carnegie House, 117 Piccadilly, W. 1.