Letters support W.E.A.

Press, 30 June 1982, Page 6

Letters support W.E.A.

W.E.A. courses have proved valuable in countering boredom, depression, crime, and related social ills, according to several Christchurch social workers. A letter to “The Press," signed by 35 Christchurch social workers, has expressed “outrage at the sudden and untimely decision" to cut the Government grant to the W.E.A. “With the increase in unemployment. redundancy, and early retirement, there is a growing need for the wide range of activities and education the W.E.A. provides." the letter said. "What is the social cost in discontinuing parent and adult education and retire-

ment courses? We feel it is false economy to axe this proven cost-efficient and valuable service.” In another letter to “The Press”.the chairman of the Canterbury- Aged People’s Welfare Council, Mr Graham Riley, said that the council had for many ■ years' supported the W.E.A. in. its “Wider Horizons” programmes and regarded this as an important aspect of its work for older people. Mr Riley said that he had joined a W.E.A. deputation that had made, submissions to the Minister of Education (Mr Wellington) about the importance of continuing education for adults. “He made promises, and now’ it seems all financial

support has been withdrawn,” he said. In his submissions. Mr Riley said that continuing adult education for ' the elderly was “more than just keeping the mind active; it is promoting communication and understanding between the generations.” Mental stagnation in the elderly was usually associated with inactivity, which led to withdrawal from contact with others and a reactive depression, the most common mental disorder. Mr Riley said. “Social factors, including lack of interests, rather than physical disability are more often the cause of such depression.

“If older people are to be

helped to remain in their own homes rather than go into institutions, they must be provided with such stimulation,” ,Mr Riley said.

' Mr Riley said that rather than be forced to cut its courses, the W.E.A. should be able to expand them.

A third' letter to “The Press” protesting. about the W.E.A. ’ cuts has been received from eight members of a rural W.E.A. book group.

“The W.E.A. courses mean so much to so many people that it.is a pity the Government has chosen this area in which to economise," it said. .