Celebrating 80 years of supporting older people in Birmingham

In May 2026, BCOP proudly celebrates 80 years of supporting older people across Birmingham — eight decades of care, innovation and community spirit that began in the aftermath of the Second World War and continues today.

Founded in a time of need BCOP was founded in May 1946, originally known as the Birmingham Council for Old People. In a city still bearing the scars of wartime bombing, a group of concerned local people recognised that older residents were being left behind — facing poor housing, limited medical support and growing isolation. From the very beginning, BCOP set out to do things differently: to listen, to respond, and to create practical solutions that improved everyday life for older people.

A history of firsts Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, BCOP became known as a pioneer in later life support, introducing services that were unheard of at the time. In 1955, BCOP opened the first day centre in the country, creating a safe, social space for older people to remain active and connected. In 1961, BCOP launched Birmingham’s first Meals on Wheels service, ensuring nutritious food reached those most in need. In 1965, the UK’s first Over 60s Centre opened in Balsall Heath, redefining what community support for older people could look like. BCOP also believed strongly in joy and experience. From organising holidays in Bewdley to arranging a remarkable chartered flight to the Isle of Man for 625 older people in 1962, the organisation understood that later life should still be full of opportunity.

Homes built around people Housing has always been central to BCOP’s work. In 1970, the charity opened Harvey Court in Tile Cross, Birmingham’s first purpose-built sheltered housing scheme — a landmark moment that influenced future housing design for older people. This commitment continued with the opening of nursing homes and supported housing schemes, including Robert Harvey House in Handsworth Wood, Neville Williams House in Selly Park, and later Anita Stone Court in Moseley, which brought nursing care and supported housing together on one site. Each development reflected BCOP’s belief that care should be person-centred, dignified and rooted in community.

Innovation that never stood still As needs changed, BCOP adapted — without losing sight of its founding values. From launching a Handy Person Service to support independent living, to introducing therapeutic pet farms, sensory gardens and the UK’s first outdoor Sensory Street, BCOP has continued to explore thoughtful, evidence-based ways to improve quality of life, particularly for people living with dementia.

Celebrating 80 years — and looking ahead Today, BCOP supports older people across Birmingham through nursing care, supported and independent living, and community-based services. While much has changed since 1946, the organisation’s purpose remains the same: to ensure every person can live the best version of their later life. As part of our 80th anniversary celebrations, BCOP is organising a program of fundraising events throughout the year. These events will help fund the creation of two new reminiscence ‘sensory streets’ — one at Neville Williams House and one at Anita Stone Court — building on the success of the original sensory street at Robert Harvey House. These specially designed spaces help people living with dementia reconnect with familiar sights, sounds and memories, supporting wellbeing, comfort and meaningful engagement.

How you can support our 80th anniversary year To mark this milestone and help us look to the future, we invite supporters to donate via our JustGiving page. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help bring these new sensory streets to life and ensure older people in our care continue to benefit from thoughtful, person-centered environments. As we celebrate this special year, we honour the people who built BCOP, the staff and volunteers who have shaped it, and the thousands of older people whose lives have been part of our story. Eighty years on, BCOP continues to do what it has always done best — listening, caring, and putting people at the heart of everything we do.

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