BPRCVS News

BPRCVS: A Legacy of Community Support Part 3: (1960 – 1970)

27/3/2025

Britain in the 1960s: A Changing Nation

The 1960s are often remembered as a time of freedom, optimism, and transformation. In many ways, they were. Britain was undergoing a cultural revolution, driven by music, fashion, and youth activism. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who defined a new musical generation, while mini-skirts, Carnaby Street fashion, and long hair on men challenged the conservative values of the 1950s.

The economy was booming at least on the surface. Wages were rising, consumer goods were becoming more accessible, and working-class families were, for the first time, able to enjoy a more comfortable standard of living.

Yet, not everyone benefitted from this new prosperity. Poverty, unemployment, and social inequality still affected thousands, particularly in industrial towns like Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale.

Anne Street, Burnley, in the late 1960s/early 1970s. This image appeared in a Burnley Express article titled ‘Street That’s Dying in Shame,’ credited to Keith Franzke. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

The Decline of the Textile Industry and a Shifting Workforce

Image featured in Burnley Express article, ‘Writing Was on the Wall for Burnley’s Cotton Industry’ by Roger Frost, published 21st August 2014. Accessed from Burnley Express.

Change in the Skyline (2 of 2), Healey Wood Mill, Healey Wood Road, Burnley. Taken on 13th April 1973. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

While the national economy was growing, Burnley’s textile industry was in trouble. For over a century, cotton mills had been the lifeblood of the town, providing employment to thousands of men and women. However, by the 1960s, global competition and changes in manufacturing meant that mills were closing, and jobs were disappearing.

For many families in Burnley, this was devastating. Some textile workers, particularly men, found new jobs in engineering and construction, but for many women who had worked in the mills their whole lives, there were fewer opportunities.

BPRCVS stepped in, recognising the need for employment support and skills training. They launched initiatives to help displaced workers retrain, offering advice on job applications, interview skills, and financial planning.

One of the most progressive initiatives came in 1966, when the Workers’ Educational Association, in partnership with BPRCVS, piloted a Pre-Retirement Course.
This programme helped older workers particularly those in the declining textile industry prepare for life after employment, giving them financial advice, social opportunities, and mental health support. This kind of proactive community support set BPRCVS apart.

They weren’t just offering short-term relief they were helping people adapt to a changing world.

A Housing Crisis and the Struggles of Redevelopment

Blenheim Street, Burnham Gate, and Kingsway, Burnley, on 8th December 1970, as part of the ‘How Long Before Ugly Blots Are Gone?’ series. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

First Photo: Bedford Street, Burnley, in the Trafalgar area, awaiting demolition before the construction of Trafalgar Flats. Year unknown. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

Second Photo: Salford Street, Burnley, on 17th July 1970, during demolition as part of the ‘Bulldozed! Days of Reeking Hovels’ series. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

The 1960s also brought a major housing crisis. The government had launched an ambitious slum clearance programme, aiming to replace old, overcrowded homes with modern council housing. In theory, this was a positive change but for many families, it was a time of uncertainty and upheaval.

Whole neighbourhoods were demolished, and people who had lived in the same close-knit communities for generations were suddenly forced to move. In some cases, they were relocated to new housing estates on the edges of town, far from their old friends and support networks.

BPRCVS and the Citizens Advice Bureau were flooded with requests for housing advice, rent disputes, and legal support. Families worried about rising costs, unfair evictions, and being moved into poor-quality accommodation.

Artist’s impression of a redevelopment scheme on Trafalgar Street, Burnley, described by planners as a ‘bold revelation.’ Dated 16th December 1966. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

Diversion on two main routes at Trafalgar Street and Curzon Street, Burnley, on 23rd May 1969. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

Life at the Top: Trafalgar Flats, Burnley, on 14th January 1969. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection

Trafalgar Flats, Burnley. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

For elderly residents, the changes were even more frightening. Mrs. Edna Robinson, 72, who had lived in her Burnley home since 1923, described the stress of being forced to move:
"I’ve lived here all my life. My children were born here. Now they tell me I have to go but where will I go? What if I don’t like it? I don’t know anyone there."

End of the Brunton Story, and of an Era (1 of 8): Trafalgar Redevelopment, Burnley, on 2nd February 1968. The last house in Moss Street, standing alone in the middle of the redevelopment site, marking the end of a densely populated part of Burnley. Accessed from the Burnley Civic Trust Heritage Image Collection.

Recognising the emotional toll, BPRCVS set up a relocation support service, helping elderly residents adjust to their new surroundings. Volunteers visited those who had moved, ensuring they didn’t feel isolated.

One of the most controversial developments was the construction of high-rise flats, which were meant to be a modern solution to urban housing. By the late 1960s, tower blocks were appearing across the country, including in Burnley. However, they soon became associated with loneliness and social disconnection, particularly for elderly residents who struggled with the isolation of high-rise living.

Despite the government’s efforts, BPRCVS found that many residents still longed for traditional, community-focused housing, and they became strong advocates for sheltered accommodation that balanced independence with social support.

The Rise of the Welfare State and Community-Led Health Initiatives

By the 1960s, the NHS had firmly entrenched itself as a cornerstone of British society, providing a comprehensive, publicly funded healthcare system for all.

However, while the NHS made significant strides in addressing general health needs, it still faced limitations, particularly in caring for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and those living in poverty. The post-war economy had been experiencing a slow recovery, and there were growing concerns about industrial decline, especially in the north, where areas like Burnley saw a shift from manufacturing to a service-based economy.

These economic changes affected employment and health outcomes for many residents, leading to an increased need for community-led initiatives to support those left behind by national policies.

In response, local organisations like BPRCVS grew in importance, filling gaps in the welfare state and responding to the unique challenges facing our communities. These included addressing issues of poverty, housing, social isolation, and inadequate access to healthcare.

BPRCVS expanded its role within the community, providing services that complemented the NHS and addressed the growing needs of Burnley’s residents, many of whom were struggling due to the national economic policies that left parts of the country in decline.

In 1960, BPRCVS made a significant contribution to the community by establishing a reference library for use by member organisations. This library housed books related to social work, social care, and community life, strengthening the ability of local groups to respond to pressing issues.

The library was also an educational resource that helped promote better understanding and practice within the growing social services sector. The establishment of such a library highlighted BPRCVS’s commitment to professionalising social care and supporting the development of community-led responses to welfare needs.

Meanwhile, life for elderly residents, particularly those at the Hostel for Elderly Ladies, was also enhanced by services such as regular visits from a hairdresser, a chiropodist, and the Red Cross Library Service.

Photo from the Hostel for Elderly Ladies on Palatine Square from BPRCVS’ Archives.

These services may seem simple, but they were vital in offering comfort and social connection to an often isolated and vulnerable group. With many elderly residents living alone or in institutional settings, these initiatives provided a valuable lifeline, particularly when the healthcare system was less equipped to address these personal needs.

Throughout the 1960s, BPRCVS launched several pioneering health-focused initiatives. One of the most significant was the Visiting Chiropody and Hairdressing Service, which provided home visits to elderly residents who were unable to travel due to mobility issues.

The service allowed the elderly to maintain their dignity and personal care, despite the barriers posed by physical limitations.

In a period when mental health was rarely discussed, BPRCVS was ahead of its time in launching mental health awareness programmes. These sought to combat depression, anxiety, and loneliness, particularly in elderly and isolated groups. A surge in the number of people suffering from mental health issues, particularly as industries closed and unemployment rates rose, meant that more people were left without adequate support.

BPRCVS’s focus on mental health was a crucial development in a decade when national healthcare policies were still largely focused on physical health.

Nutrition support services were also introduced to help struggling families access affordable, healthy food, reflecting broader concerns around food security. This was particularly important in an era where wages were stagnant for many working-class families, and the cost of living was rising.

The 1960s saw an increased focus on welfare reforms under the government’s Economic Expansion Act of 1964, which sought to encourage economic growth in the face of industrial decline. However, these national policies were slow to address localised issues such as food insecurity, prompting local organisations like BPRCVS to step in.

In 1962, the Burnley League of Social Services provided an additional £100 to the Distress Relief Fund. This fund became an essential lifeline for those facing urgent hardship, particularly following industrial closures in the region. At the same time, BPRCVS played a crucial advisory role in Burnley Corporation’s development of a ten-year social welfare plan, further solidifying its role as a key actor in shaping the local response to national economic changes.

One of the standout successes of the 1960s was the chiropody service introduced in 1963, funded by the Alexandra Rose Day Appeal.

This service provided low-cost foot care for elderly residents who faced severe mobility issues, highlighting BPRCVS’s ability to secure funding through national campaigns and its capacity to meet very specific local health needs.

The service proved transformative for elderly residents like Mr. Harold Finch, who had suffered from severe arthritis and found that the chiropody service allowed him to regain his independence:

"I used to dread walking. Every step hurt. But now, I can get out again I can visit friends, go to the shops. I feel like I have my independence back."

The 1963 fundraising initiative during a Burnley Football Club match at Turf Moor, which raised almost £75, also reflects the growing community engagement with local welfare initiatives.

Supported by local pupils and members of the Church Lads' Brigade, the fundraising exceeded expectations, enabling BPRCVS to continue its work, including expanding services and increasing outreach to families in need.

The passing of Miss Dorothy Howard in 1964 marked a pivotal moment for BPRCVS. Dorothy had served as the organisation’s secretary for many years and had been instrumental in its development. Her death underscored the challenges of continuity and leadership in a time of social upheaval.

Photo from the BPRCVS Archives.

However, despite this loss, BPRCVS’s growth continued. By 1965, the Television for the Housebound Scheme was launched, which allowed television licenses to be moved from home to home, ensuring that elderly and housebound residents could access entertainment and remain connected with the outside world. The programme was emblematic of BPRCVS’s resourcefulness in addressing the social isolation faced by the elderly, who were often forgotten by national welfare policies.

In 1966, a pre-retirement course was piloted by the Workers’ Educational Association, aimed at preparing individuals for life after industrial work. With many in Burnley facing unemployment due to the decline of the textile industry, this course provided essential support to those preparing for retirement, ensuring that they were equipped to navigate the significant life change.

Around 200 people participated in this course, which was an innovative way for BPRCVS to engage with the working population and address the broader social impacts of industrial decline.

BPRCVS’s second-hand shop at Curzon Place, opened in 1966, raised £300, marking a shift in the way the organisation approached fundraising.

Moving away from traditional jumble sales, the shop demonstrated BPRCVS’s creative thinking and its capacity to generate funds in new ways. The money raised was used for vital refurbishments of BPRCVS offices, ensuring that the organisation remained a strong presence in Burnley’s community.

As the decade drew to a close, the ongoing industrial decline and rise in unemployment across the north of England highlighted the need for stronger community-led support networks.

Despite the national focus on industrial recovery, many areas like Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale continued to struggle. BPRCVS’s expansion into health and welfare services demonstrated the importance of local solutions to national problems, and its initiatives laid the foundation for a more community-oriented approach to welfare that would continue into the 1970s.

The Friendly Visiting Scheme: Alleviating Loneliness and Providing Vital Social Support

By 1960, the Friendly Visiting Scheme had become a vital part of BPRCVS’s work, with volunteers regularly visiting the elderly and housebound, often in conditions that were far from ideal.

It was common for elderly individuals to live in small, single-roomed terraced houses, where a simple brown pot sink and cold running water were the extent of their amenities. A single bulb would light the room, and a solitary bar electric fire would be the only source of warmth in an otherwise cold and draughty home. The long-drop lavatory, located in the backyard, and the lack of basic comforts made life incredibly difficult for these individuals.

Moreover, for many elderly residents, the fear of being admitted to the hospital added an extra layer of distress.

The general hospital had once been the Burnley Workhouse, a grim institution that had housed the poor and elderly in harsh conditions. For those who had lived through that era, the stigma of being sent to the hospital remained. The idea of returning to the same buildings that once symbolised neglect and abandonment was deeply unsettling.

As such, the Friendly Visiting Scheme became more than just a social service it was a source of emotional comfort and a sanctuary from the fear and loneliness that these elderly people faced daily.

The volunteers who participated in the scheme, which grew to include 55 women by the early 1960s, were not just visiting for the sake of social engagement; they brought light and life to those they served. One annual report noted,

‘These visits are greatly appreciated by the people on whom they call, as they carry sunshine and comfort and a breath of the outside world to those who otherwise would lead very monotonous lives.’

The impact was profound, not just in terms of reducing loneliness but in helping elderly individuals regain a sense of dignity and connection to their community.

Through the 1960s, the scheme expanded its activities to include practical support, like shopping for the elderly, distributing Christmas food parcels, and sending birthday cards. Annual outings were also organised, with transportation provided by Social Services, allowing many of the elderly visitors to experience the outdoors or visit places like stately homes in Cheshire and the seaside.

For many, these outings were life-changing, as some had not left their homes in years.
The Friendly Visiting Scheme was also supported by fundraising efforts, including coffee mornings, buffet lunches, concerts, and jumble sales.
The funds raised allowed the committee to continue its work and expand its reach.

The Friendly Visiting Scheme, along with other initiatives like the chiropody services for the elderly, encapsulated BPRCVS’s commitment to responding to the changing needs of Our Communities’ most vulnerable groups during the 1960s.

While the NHS had taken root, there was still a need for community-led initiatives to bridge the gaps in healthcare and social services. BPRCVS filled this gap, ensuring that the welfare state was complemented by services that directly addressed the social and emotional wellbeing of the community.
Women, Family, and Social Change

The 1960s marked a period of profound transformation in gender roles, family structures, and social expectations.
As the decade progressed, women increasingly entered the workforce, both out of necessity and as part of the broader social shift toward gender equality.

This shift not only altered the dynamics of households but also challenged long-standing views about women’s roles within the family, society, and the workplace. The traditional structures of marriage, family, and independence that had prevailed for much of the 20th century were shifting dramatically.

As more women began to work outside the home, the concept of the nuclear family was re-evaluated. The rise in divorce rates, combined with a growing acceptance of single-parent households, reflected the evolving attitudes toward marriage and family life.

Divorce was no longer considered taboo, and many women found themselves navigating the complexities of raising children independently.

These societal changes had a direct impact on families in Burnley, with many women facing new challenges in terms of employment, childcare, and financial independence.

In response, BPRCVS recognised the shifting needs of families, especially those of single mothers and working women, who were often left to juggle the demands of parenting, work, and maintaining their households.

The stigma surrounding single motherhood and the lack of support services for these women presented a significant barrier to their wellbeing.

Many women found themselves isolated, struggling to balance the demands of raising children alone with societal pressures that placed the responsibility for family care primarily on women.
One of the most forward-thinking initiatives to emerge during this time was the establishment of the Gingerbread Group in 1969.

The Gingerbread Group was a groundbreaking support network specifically designed for single parents, a group that had long been underserved and overlooked by traditional social services. At a time when the concept of single parenthood was still met with considerable social stigma, the Gingerbread Group provided a vital lifeline for many women.

The group's core mission was to offer both practical and emotional support, recognising that single mothers often lacked the networks and resources to manage their roles effectively. The services provided were designed to address the very real challenges faced by these women, including financial hardship, childcare, and social isolation.

Through regular meetings, the Gingerbread Group became a place where single parents could come together to share their experiences, seek advice, and offer one another emotional support. The group also facilitated access to practical resources, including help with finding housing, childcare services, and legal advice.

What made the Gingerbread Group particularly innovative was its focus on creating a sense of community.

At a time when single parents were often isolated and excluded from mainstream social activities, the Gingerbread Group gave these women a platform to connect with one another. The support network was more than just a resource it became a space where women could find solidarity, share coping strategies, and empower one another to navigate the challenges of single parenthood.

The success of the Gingerbread Group demonstrated how BPRCVS was ahead of its time in recognising the changing dynamics of family life and responding with practical, community-led solutions.It was an early example of how BPRCVS, as an organisation, sought to address the social needs of vulnerable groups by providing not only direct services but also fostering a supportive community for individuals facing social marginalisation.

The group’s success in Burnley would eventually inspire similar initiatives in other regions including Pendle & Rossendale, helping to elevate the conversation around the rights and needs of single parents across the country.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Community Support Across Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale

As the 1960s drew to a close, Burnley along with neighbouring areas in Pendle and Rossendale was experiencing a period of transformation.
The decline of the textile industry, shifts in housing policy, and changing social structures all presented new challenges for communities across the region.
BPRCVS remained at the heart of this transition, evolving to meet the growing needs of residents beyond Burnley. While the organisation had its roots in Burnley, its impact extended across Pendle and Rossendale, supporting people affected by unemployment, housing uncertainty, and social isolation. The expansion of welfare initiatives, from the Friendly Visiting Scheme to chiropody services and employment support, ensured that vulnerable individuals across all three districts had access to essential resources.

As the 1970s approached, economic uncertainty loomed, with industrial decline continuing to reshape the landscape of the North West. However, with BPRCVS’s unwavering commitment to community welfare, Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale were better prepared to face the challenges ahead. The organisation’s legacy of resilience, advocacy, and grassroots support laid the foundation for a stronger, more connected voluntary sector across the region one that would continue to adapt and serve local communities for decades to come.

Coming Next: BPRCVS – A Decade of Change and Community Action (1970–1980)

The 1970s ushered in a period of economic instability, industrial decline, and social change across Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale. As traditional industries struggled and unemployment rose, local communities faced new challenges but BPRCVS remained a steadfast pillar of support.

From advocating for fair housing policies to expanding volunteer-led welfare initiatives, BPRCVS adapted to the evolving needs of residents. The decade saw a growing emphasis on youth programmes, mental health awareness, and support for women entering the workforce. With the rise of community activism, the organisation played a crucial role in shaping local responses to national crises.

How did BPRCVS respond to the challenges of the 1970s? What new services emerged to support struggling families, elderly residents, and unemployed workers? Stay tuned as we explore another decade of resilience, innovation, and community spirit in BPRCVS: A Legacy of Community Support Part 4: (1970–1980).