Reminiscences of “After-care” Association, 1879—1898

As far back as 1871 a paper named “A Plea for Convalescent Homes in connection with Asylums for the Insane Poor” was admitted by the Editors, Drs. Maudsley and Sibbald, into the Journal of Mental Science. In 1879 an article called “After-care,” by the Rev. H. Hawkins, Chaplain of the Colney Hatch Asylum, was allowed a place in the same Journal. The then Editors were Drs. Clouston, Hack Tuke, and Savage. On the 5th June of the same year a meeting was held at the house of Dr. Bucknill, 39, Wimpole Street, to consider the subject of the “After-care of Poor and Friendless Female Convalescents on leaving Asylums for the Insane.” There were present Dr. and Mrs. Bucknill, Miss Cons, Dr. D. Hack Tuke, Mr. W. G. Marshall, Dr. Harrington Tuke, and others. A paper on the above-named subject was read. It was moved by Dr. C. Lockhart Robertson, and seconded by Dr. Hack Tuke—“That this meeting do form itself into an Association.” The names of Dr. S. Duckworth-Williams and of Dr. Savage were added to those already given. It was moved by Dr. Robertson, and seconded by Mr. W. Gr. Marshall—“That Dr. Bucknill be invited to take the office of President.” Also moved by Dr. Harrington Tuke, and seconded by Dr. Bucknill—“That the Rev. H. Hawkins take the office of Secretary.” These resolutions were unanimously carried. Later in the summer a meeting of ladies to consider the same subject was held at 84, Portland Place. Miss Cons consented to accept temporarily the office of Ladies' Secretary. Later in the same year another meeting was held at Dr. Bucknill's.