| Description | The Halesowen Infant Welfare is also referred to in the documents as Halesowen Child Welfare Centre, The Halesowen Child Welfare and Maternity Centre, the Halesowen Welfare Centre, and The Halesowen Centre. It is assumed these different names refer to the same place.
The Halesowen Child Welfare and Maternity Centre was originally under the control of the Public Health department of Worcestershire County Council. It was opened in 1916. Weekly meetings were held in the Congregational Hall, Halesowen. Later, the Centre moved to Tenter Street School, then later still, to a venue in Highfield Lane.
The Ante-natal Centre was started in 1926, and this was held monthly. The Centre was staffed by a Medical Officer, Health Visitors and a Voluntary Committee. The Voluntary Committee aimed to serve the social needs of the mothers and children attending the Centre
Children / babies were weighed regularly, and test feeds were given at the request of the Medical Officer. All children were seen by the doctor at regular intervals. Health talks were given and books and pamphlets on health matters were made available. In 1928 the average weekly attendance was 90. In 1930 the average weekly attendance was 115.
The Halesowen Centre served Halesowen, and the surrounding districts of Hasbury, Lutley, Hawne, Illey and Lapal. It organized Halesowen Baby Week, for which we have some records 1920's and 1930's.
A newspaper article dated 22 Jan 1982 writes of the Centre being wound up. For further background information see D13/X3/1. |