BPRCVS: A Legacy of Community Support (1980-1990) Part 5

In a decade of economic strife and social upheaval, one organisation became the steady heartbeat of local compassion and grassroots action in East Lancashire.
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Introduction
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The 1980s in East Lancashire were defined by a stark contrast between a proud industrial past and an uncertain economic future. For communities in Burnley and neighbouring towns places built on the back of coal, cotton, shoes, and steel the shift from industry to redundancy came with little warning and few safeguards.

 
In Burnley, unemployment spiked above 20% by the early part of the decade, while the economic bedrock of Pendle’s mill towns crumbled with every textile closure. In Rossendale, the once world-renowned footwear trade, centred in towns like Haslingden and Rawtenstall, faced an existential threat from cheaper overseas manufacturing.
The collapse wasn’t just economic it was social. Families who had worked the same factories for generations found themselves without direction. The structures of community that had once been rooted in shared labour trade unions, chapels, working men's clubs saw their influence wane. At the same time, the Thatcher government’s programme of welfare reform and public spending cuts further stretched the capacity of local authorities to support those now most in need.
In this vacuum, the voluntary sector emerged not only as a safety net but as a beacon of innovation and resilience. The Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (BPRCVS) already grounded in decades of civic engagement stepped up. From delivering emergency aid to building long-term capacity in community groups, BPRCVS evolved into an engine of empowerment. By adapting to new challenges and mobilising an ever-growing network of volunteers, it played a transformative role in helping communities survive and in many cases, thrive in the face of profound adversity.


 
Burnley in the 1980s: A Community at the Crossroads


In the aftermath of the industrial decline, the fabric of Burnley’s community began to unravel. The strong ties that had once bound local residents together whether through trade unions, religious groups, or social clubs began to weaken.

These structures of support, built on the collective strength of the working class, were no longer able to offer the same sense of security and belonging. The closure of the mills didn’t just affect the workforce it affected the very identity of the town. People who had worked in the same factories for generations now found themselves without work and, for the first time, without a clear purpose.

The effects of deindustrialisation were not limited to economic hardship. The erosion of community cohesion created a sense of alienation among many residents. Longstanding traditions and networks that had once provided stability and support were suddenly obsolete. With families spread out across the town and many facing the loss of income, the social bonds that had held Burnley together were fraying.

This sense of social disintegration was compounded by the national political climate, as the Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher pursued policies that many saw as hostile to the working class. Public spending cuts, a reduction in welfare services, and the weakening of labour protections left local authorities scrambling to address the growing needs of the population. At a time when many felt abandoned, the town of Burnley seemed to be caught between the remnants of its industrial past and an uncertain future.


For Burnley, the 1980s were not just a decade of economic decline, but a decade of profound transformation. The loss of industry marked the end of an era, but it also signalled the need for change. In this climate of uncertainty, it became clear that the town would have to rebuild itself not by returning to its industrial roots, but by finding new ways to meet the needs of its residents. It was within this challenging environment that BPRCVS emerged as a vital force for social change. As traditional structures crumbled, the voluntary sector stepped in, creating a new form of social safety net that was more adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of the community BPRCVS played a pivotal role during this period, rallying local residents and volunteers to address the critical challenges facing Burnley, including rising unemployment, housing shortages, social isolation, and the need for support among vulnerable communities.
 
In many ways, Burnley in the 1980s was at a crossroads. The town had lost its industrial identity, but it was on the brink of finding a new one that was rooted in community empowerment and mutual aid. The resilience of the people of Burnley, and the organisation that would help lead the charge, would soon prove that even in the face of adversity, communities have the power to rebuild, reimagine, and thrive.

1980–1981: Advocating for Disabled People


As the 1980s unfolded, the world was changing in ways that would influence not just the economic landscape but the social fabric as well. The International Year for Disabled Persons in 1981 provided an opportunity to address longstanding inequalities faced by disabled individuals. In Burnley, BPRCVS recognised the critical need for advocacy, and the organisation made a concerted effort to ensure that disabled people were not left behind in the community’s transformation.

The key to BPRCVS’s success during this period was its ability to bring together disparate groups and voices to create a unified front for change. A local committee was formed to tackle the issues facing disabled people in the area, and it was chaired by none other than Keith Hall, the editor of the Burnley Express.

This partnership between the voluntary sector, the media, and local communities became a powerful tool for social change. Through public events and media coverage, the committee was able to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals, from inaccessible buildings to limited employment opportunities and inadequate support services.

One of the first major campaigns led by BPRCVS focused on the physical barriers that made life difficult for disabled people in Burnley.
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Buildings that had been constructed without consideration for accessibility were a constant source of frustration, and for many disabled individuals, the lack of ramps, lifts, and accessible facilities meant that simply getting around town could be an ordeal. BPRCVS’s campaign not only highlighted these issues but also called for concrete solutions. The media campaign played a crucial role in changing public perceptions, putting pressure on local authorities and businesses to make their premises more accessible.
 
But BPRCVS’s advocacy didn’t stop with physical accessibility. The organisation also focused on improving the social infrastructure for disabled people, with the Volunteer Bureau playing a central role. 

Express Help’s Big Day – Towneley Park, 18 May 1982
The official opening of the new disabled access ramp to Towneley Hall Craft Museum. From left to right: Mrs Mary Egerton, Mr Michael Woodhead, Mrs Edna Ascroft, Mr Hubert Rigg, Mrs Dorothy Lowe (Secretary of Burnley Council for Voluntary Service and Express Help Committee member), Mr Ian Woolstencroft, Mr D.K. Hall, and Mr Barry Lonsdale.
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This project was part of the wider Express Help initiative, with BPRCVS playing a key coordinating role. Dorothy Lowe’s leadership helped bring together council officers, local donors, and volunteers to make inclusive access a reality.
Image courtesy of the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

By working closely with Age Concern Burnley, BPRCVS was able to train volunteers who could offer support to disabled individuals in a variety of ways. Volunteers helped with everything from shopping and companionship to providing assistance at public events. This kind of grassroots support helped to fill the gaps left by statutory services, which were struggling to meet the growing demand for assistance.
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In addition to these direct services, BPRCVS recognised the importance of employment for disabled people. With the support of the Burnley Co-operative Society, BPRCVS explored job and volunteering placements for disabled individuals, offering them the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the local economy and community.

This was a groundbreaking initiative at the time, as disabled people were often excluded from the workforce due to prejudice and lack of opportunity.

One of the most innovative and forward-thinking programs introduced by BPRCVS during this period was the pre-retirement courses for medical staff at Reedley Hall.

Recognising the untapped potential of retirees as volunteers, BPRCVS helped facilitate a program that trained older people to become active participants in the community, particularly in roles that supported the elderly and disabled. This initiative not only provided valuable skills and experiences to retirees, but it also opened up new avenues for volunteering and community engagement.

Another major achievement for BPRCVS in 1980 was the rediscovery of a long-dormant fund, originally held by an Old People’s Welfare Committee. The fund was allocated to the Friendly Visiting Scheme, which aimed to provide companionship to isolated elderly people many of whom were living with disabilities. This was a crucial service at a time when elderly people, particularly those living alone, were at risk of being forgotten. The Friendly Visiting Scheme helped alleviate social isolation, offering elderly individuals not just practical assistance but also emotional support.

Throughout 1980 and 1981, BPRCVS was at the forefront of advocating for disabled people, pushing for changes that would make Burnley a more inclusive and compassionate place for all. By focusing on accessibility, volunteerism, and employment opportunities, BPRCVS helped to create a community where disabled people could live with dignity and independence. The organisation’s efforts during this time set the stage for further advancements in the following years, as it continued to advocate for those on the margins and work toward a more equitable society.

1982–1984: New Independence and Broader Reach
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The early 1980s marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Burnley and District Council for Voluntary Service (BPRCVS).

In 1982, following national recommendations, the organisation underwent a significant restructuring. It formally separated from the Citizens Advice Bureau, allowing BPRCVS to operate independently and pursue a broader, more ambitious mandate.

This shift not only granted the CVS greater autonomy but also paved the way for its expansion across East Lancashire, extending its reach into communities that had long been struggling with the fallout from deindustrialisation.

With newfound independence, BPRCVS quickly became a crucial player in addressing the escalating social issues facing the region. One of the organisation’s early and most impactful partnerships was with Shelter, the national homelessness charity.

As Shelter opened its Burnley branch, BPRCVS was there, helping to recruit and train volunteers, including a dedicated volunteer supervisor. Volunteers were placed in a wide range of vital services, such as Meals on Wheels, the Temple Street Multi-Purpose Centre, and Burnley General Hospital. These initiatives were lifelines for the community, providing essential services to vulnerable populations at a time when the local statutory services were under immense strain.

In 1983, BPRCVS continued to innovate, recognising the emerging needs of local community groups and charities. With many organisations struggling to cope with administrative tasks before the age of digital tools, BPRCVS volunteers introduced a duplicating and typing service.


This forward-thinking initiative enabled smaller groups, churches, and charities to access crucial support with paperwork, creating a more efficient and sustainable environment for their operations. At the same time, BPRCVS volunteers supported Burnley College’s Spectrum Project, which provided practical assistance to elderly and disabled residents by helping them decorate and repair their homes.

This was more than just a hands-on project it was a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, as volunteers directly contributed to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable.

1984 was a year that captured the essence of BPRCVS’s ethos resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to its community.

Chief Officer Dorothy Lowe exemplified this spirit when she abseiled down the Keirby Hotel in Burnley to raise funds for the organisation.

The daring stunt, which raised over £1,000, was a symbolic gesture of the organisation’s unrelenting determination and hands-on approach to fundraising. It wasn’t just about financial support; it was a powerful message that BPRCVS was willing to do whatever it took to help its community no task too small, no challenge too great.

Mrs Dorothy Lowe abseils down Burnley’s Keirby Hotel to raise funds for BPRCVS, 31 March 1984.
Image courtesy of the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

The same year, BPRCVS took a significant step in expanding its support for those grappling with grief and loss. After a year of groundwork and collaboration, the organisation helped establish a local branch of CRUSE Bereavement Care. This service, which provided crucial support to the widowed and their families, was the result of months of steering group work and demonstrated BPRCVS’s ability to identify and respond to the ever-evolving needs of the community.

It was a testament to the organisation’s growing influence, as it became a central hub for community care, supporting not just the practical needs of individuals, but also offering emotional and psychological support during times of hardship.

By 1984, BPRCVS had firmly established itself as an indispensable part of Burnley’s social fabric. With its expanded services, innovative solutions, and hands-on approach, the organisation was not only meeting immediate needs but also laying the foundation for the future. The sense of community was stronger than ever, and BPRCVS’s growing reputation as a beacon of hope and solidarity was beginning to spread throughout East Lancashire.

1985–1986: Community in Conversation

The mid-1980s were a time of growth and change for BPRCVS, as the organisation continued to innovate and expand its role in the local community. One of the key initiatives to emerge in 1985 was the introduction of Community Lunch Meetings. These informal, monthly forums held at Burnley’s Central Methodist Church quickly became a cornerstone of BPRCVS’s approach to fostering collaboration and dialogue across sectors.
 
These lunches brought together professionals from both the statutory and voluntary sectors, creating a space where ideas could be exchanged, partnerships forged, and resources pooled. The aim was simple yet profound: to strengthen the collective ability of local organisations to meet the growing needs of the community.
 
These meetings provided a platform for people to share expertise, brainstorm solutions, and build the network of support that was essential in an era of shrinking local services.

1985 also saw the launch of the Burnley, Pendle and Clitheroe Victim Support Scheme a major milestone in BPRCVS’s ongoing work to address the diverse needs of the community. With BPRCVS's support, 36 trained volunteers began providing assistance to victims of crime, helping them navigate the aftermath of traumatic events. This initiative was part of a broader societal shift towards trauma-informed community services, which recognised the deep emotional and psychological impact of crime and sought to provide holistic, compassionate support to those affected. For the first time, victims of crime in Burnley, Pendle, and Clitheroe had access to a dedicated support network, one that prioritised empathy and healing alongside practical assistance.

Simultaneously, BPRCVS deepened its relationships with disability-focused organisations, recognising the unique challenges faced by individuals with long-term health conditions. Groups like PHAB (Physically Handicapped Able-Bodied), Arthritis Care, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the British Diabetic Association were key partners in these efforts. Through these collaborations, BPRCVS not only provided support to individuals living with disabilities but also helped build a stronger, more interconnected network of organisations. This network enabled groups to share knowledge, combine resources, and amplify their collective impact, ensuring that disabled residents received the care, advocacy, and attention they deserved.

However, 1986 brought both challenges and opportunities for the organisation. The long-running Friendly Visiting Scheme, which had offered companionship to isolated elderly people, officially ended due to a shortage of volunteers.

This marked the end of a beloved programme, and many in the community felt its loss deeply. Yet, even as the Friendly Visiting Scheme was winding down, the spirit of the programme endured. The volunteers who had been involved in the scheme continued to fundraise and contribute in meaningful ways, sending birthday cards, Christmas parcels, and organising an annual concert. These small but profound acts of kindness were a testament to the enduring power of community, showing that even in times of change, the heart of BPRCVS remained focused on compassion and care.
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Out of the transition created by the closure of the Friendly Visiting Scheme came the formation of the Community Concern Group, launched in September 1986. This new initiative was designed to coordinate emergency provisions for those most in need.
 
Comprised of representatives from a diverse range of local organisations including the Salvation Army, DHSS, Social Services, and the Police the Community Concern Group's mission was clear: to ensure that no one went without the basics.

Whether it was food, clothing, or furniture, this group became a vital lifeline for families and individuals facing crisis situations. Its formation also evoked the spirit of the original Burnley Citizens’ Guild from the 1930s, which had first brought together local volunteers and organisations to provide emergency aid during the Depression.

The Community Concern Group thus built on this rich legacy, adapting it to the modern challenges of the 1980s, and ensuring that Burnley’s most vulnerable residents were never left behind.

These years marked a pivotal period for BPRCVS one in which the organisation cemented its role as a central, unifying force in the local community, tackling complex social issues with an unwavering commitment to support, collaboration, and innovation.

1987–1988: Youth in Action and Regional Growth

The years 1987 and 1988 marked a period of energetic innovation and growth for BPRCVS, as the organisation reached new heights in both its service offerings and its geographical reach. The Youth in Action programme, launched in 1987, was a vibrant and ambitious initiative that injected a fresh, youthful energy into the community.
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Youth In Action Logo from 1987.

Aimed at 14–25-year-olds, the programme sought to engage young people in meaningful volunteer roles that would allow them to contribute to the community while also fostering their personal development.
 
Volunteers in the programme found themselves in a wide range of roles, from supporting probation services to embarking on a unique environmental project that involved rescuing 180 litres of frogspawn! a reminder of how diverse and dynamic the opportunities were. Through these activities, Youth in Action helped build connections between generations, providing young people with valuable skills while also bridging the gap between youth and older members of the community.

It was a clear sign that BPRCVS was not only focused on addressing the immediate needs of the community but was also thinking long-term, investing in the next generation of volunteers and community leaders.

During this time, the Volunteer Bureau had its busiest year to date, facilitating a remarkable 470 volunteer placements.
 
This surge in engagement underscored the growing recognition of the value of volunteering, both as a personal development tool and as a crucial mechanism for strengthening the community.

Bureau Organiser Jane Hadley encapsulated the essence of this movement when she said, “Promoting volunteering has a two-fold effect new people offer their services, and more of the community gain from their help.”

This simple yet profound statement reflected the heart of BPRCVS’s mission: to encourage active participation in the community and to create a cycle of support and growth that benefited everyone involved.

The demand for volunteer placements continued to rise, solidifying BPRCVS’s position as a hub for community-driven action.

As the year progressed, BPRCVS’s involvement in community issues deepened, particularly around the topic of youth homelessness. In 1987, the Community Concern Group sounded the alarm about the increasing number of young people facing homelessness in the area.

This urgent concern sparked critical discussions among local agencies, which would eventually lead to the development of the Housing for Young People Project just two years later.

 
The group’s intervention highlighted BPRCVS’s ability to not only address immediate needs but to anticipate emerging issues and take proactive steps towards finding sustainable solutions. It also reflected the organisation's commitment to inclusivity and support for all members of the community, no matter their age or background.

1988 was a year of significant milestones for BPRCVS. One of the most important achievements was the expansion of the organisation’s remit beyond Burnley to encompass Pendle and Rossendale, officially rebranding as the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Council for Voluntary Service (BPRCVS).

This expansion marked a pivotal moment in the organisation’s history, allowing it to broaden its influence and deepen its impact across a wider region. It was a reflection of the growing demand for its services and its increasing reputation as a leader in community support across East Lancashire.

 By reaching more areas, BPRCVS could strengthen the volunteer network, extend services to more residents, and address regional challenges in a more coordinated manner.

In the same year, BPRCVS launched the Hospice Care Committee, a dedicated initiative to support families navigating the difficult and often isolating experience of end-of-life care.
Through this programme, 15 accredited volunteers were recruited to provide vital emotional and practical support to families, ensuring that individuals facing terminal illness were not left without assistance during their final months. The establishment of this committee underscored BPRCVS’s ability to adapt its services to the evolving needs of the community, addressing sensitive and complex issues with compassion and professionalism.

Meanwhile, BPRCVS was also involved in a unique initiative that highlighted the organisation’s commitment to providing for the most vulnerable members of society. In 1988, the organisation began distributing butter and food from the European Union’s “Butter Mountain” a surplus of agricultural products that had been created as a result of European agricultural policies. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had famously sought to “raid” the Butter Mountain, criticising the EU's handling of agricultural surpluses and the wastage it represented. 

The queues for the European Butter Mountain distribution in 1988. Photo from the BPRCVS archives.

BPRCVS, however, saw an opportunity to put this surplus to practical use by redistributing it to local residents in need. By taking advantage of this unusual resource, BPRCVS was able to ensure that it served its core mission of supporting the community while also addressing the broader challenges that arose from European agricultural policies. 
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While the Butter Mountain was a symbolic reminder of the excesses of bureaucracy, it also became a vital resource for the community. By redistributing this food to local residents in need, BPRCVS demonstrated its agility in responding to global issues while also meeting immediate, grassroots needs. It was a prime example of how the organisation was able to leverage external resources to make a tangible impact in the local community.

The years 1987 and 1988 were, therefore, a period of both expansion and deepening engagement for BPRCVS. From empowering youth through volunteerism to expanding its geographic reach, the organisation cemented its role as a vital force in the region’s social fabric. With its growing portfolio of programmes and its unwavering commitment to service, BPRCVS was poised for even greater achievements in the years to come.

1989–1990: Activism and Housing Action

In 1989, BPRCVS received a £3,300 grant from Telethon, the UK’s first national TV charity fundraiser and a forerunner of Children in Need and Comic Relief. This marked the beginning of a new era—national funds fuelling local impact.

The Housing for Young People Project launched that year under Rev. Chris Cheeseman, offering secure accommodation to homeless 18–25-year-olds. Youth in Action volunteers supported projects from the Open Door Club to Coldwell Inn and the Probation Service.
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Harvest of Kindness – October 1989
Dorothy Lowe of Burnley Council for Voluntary Service (far right) stands with pupils from Habergam High School and just some of the 750 food items donated during their Harvest Festival drive.
Thanks to the efforts of over 600 students, the food was collected in just two weeks and distributed across Burnley to support elderly and vulnerable residents a powerful example of how young people, guided by community leaders like Dorothy Lowe, contributed to local care networks.
Image: Burnley Express, 5 October 1989

The event has been run by Burnley Express Help which is funded by the Express itself and helped by Burnley Council for Voluntary Service to raise awareness and needed cash for the project.
Burnley Council for Voluntary Service's team spent the night in Towneley wrapped in tin foil and covered by cardboard.
The charity recently opened its own shop front office in Hammerton Street for the first time and hopes the 1989 Sleep Out will be a success because there has been a housing shortage over the years.
Image: Burnley Express, June 1989 

During National Housing Week, Dorothy Lowe, Chris Cheeseman, Anne-Marie McNulty, Marjorie Whinney and a group of volunteers slept overnight in Towneley Park in cardboard boxes to highlight youth homelessness. That same year, the project housed its first 29 young residents.
The Community Concern Group continued to expand, processing nearly 1,100 urgent aid requests mostly for food parcels, beds, and clothing.
Volunteer-run food drives, particularly among young people, were essential in keeping shelves stocked.
 
BPRCVS in Local Memory: A People's Organisation
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Throughout the decade, BPRCVS remained a constant amid chaos. As factories closed, support services shrank, and councils struggled, it became a bedrock for thousands across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Its success came not from sweeping policies, but from dozens of small acts: matching volunteers to causes, connecting families to food, creating safe housing, organising conversations, and always looking for the next emerging need.

Even local newspapers recognised this: from the Burnley Express’s coverage of disability awareness, to Rossendale Free Press features on housing and hospice initiatives, the press played a vital role in keeping the community connected.
 
Conclusion: A Legacy of Action
 
Between 1980 and 1990, BPRCVS underwent a remarkable transformation, evolving from a Burnley-based advisory service to a powerful tri-borough engine of community change. This transformation was not born out of grandiose promises or lofty ambitions, but through a methodical, grassroots approach rooted in careful listening, intimate local knowledge, and an unwavering belief in the power of people to come together and support one another.


As the organisation navigated the socio-economic challenges of the 1980s, it took decisive steps to adapt and grow. BPRCVS didn’t simply respond to the needs of its communities; it shaped itself around them, tailoring its services and initiatives to address the specific, often urgent, concerns of Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale.

 
Whether it was tackling youth homelessness, empowering young volunteers through the Youth in Action programme, or establishing local hospice care committees, BPRCVS consistently prioritised the well-being of individuals and communities above all else. In doing so, it forged deeper connections within the areas it served, offering a hand to those struggling while uniting people from all walks of life for a common purpose.


The organisation’s growth throughout this decade was deeply influenced by its roots, which trace back to the 1930s, when the Burnley Citizens’ Guild was first established.


This modest initiative, shaped by the visionary Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, laid the groundwork for what would become a long-standing tradition of civic responsibility.


Her belief in the power of local communities to drive positive change still resonated in the work of BPRCVS during the 1980s and beyond. Through her influence, the spirit of selfless service and collaboration endured, providing BPRCVS with both the foundation and the moral compass necessary to thrive amid the turbulence of the 1980s.


By the close of the 1980s, BPRCVS had grown into one of East Lancashire’s most trusted and influential institutions. It had become much more than a service provider; it was a hub of community action, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with purpose and passion. The organisation’s growth was not just in size, but in the depth of its impact, helping countless individuals and communities find support, dignity, and hope in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on this vital decade, we are reminded of the enduring power of community in times of hardship.

When faced with difficult challenges, it is community organised, compassionate, and tireless that turns the tide. BPRCVS’s legacy, born out of humble beginnings and shaped by the spirit of those who believed in the collective power of individuals, stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder that no problem is too great when a community pulls together.

The 1980s were not just a time of growth for BPRCVS they were a defining chapter in the organisation's history, one that established the framework for the transformative work it would continue for decades to come.

And as we look forward, it is clear that the heart of BPRCVS’s mission remains unchanged: to empower and support those who need it most, and to strengthen the bonds of community that make our society whole.