The charitable sector mourns the loss of a truly dedicated volunteer, as Alan Woodhouse MBE, the longest-serving volunteer in the entire history of the Samaritans organisation, has passed away at the age of 92. His remarkable six-decade commitment to supporting individuals in emotional distress and at risk of suicide leaves an enduring legacy of compassion and service.
A Lifelong Commitment to Listening and Support
Alan Woodhouse joined the Liverpool and Merseyside branch of Samaritans at its very inception in 1960 and continued to answer telephones for the charity right up until 2020, an astonishing 60 years of voluntary service. The Samaritans, founded in 1953 by Reverend Chad Varah, established its second branch in the crypt of St Nicholas Church at Liverpool Pier Head. Alan proudly staffed the very first overnight shift when it opened on 1st March 1960.
His profound dedication was formally recognised in 2017 when he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services. Reflecting on the honour after receiving his medal from the then Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, Alan humbly stated, “It’s not all about me: it’s about recognising the work of Samaritan volunteers over the decades who have given their time to be there, at the end of a telephone, to help others in need.” He continued his vital shifts until March 2020, with only the Covid-19 lockdowns finally bringing his frontline volunteering to a close.
Educational Career and Community Contributions
Born in Normanton, West Yorkshire, Alan was the younger child of Edith, a nurse, and George Woodhouse, who worked in a woollen mill. After attending Holme Valley grammar school and graduating with an English degree from Jesus College, Oxford in 1955, he married Penny Hopwood that same year and settled in Wallasey.
His professional life was equally devoted to education and community. He began as head of English at Alsop High School in Liverpool in 1956. From 1967 to 1983, he served as head of English studies and director of the degree course on literature, life, and thought at the CF Mott College of Higher Education in Prescot.
Demonstrating a lifelong passion for learning, Alan spent three academic years teaching phonetics and English literature at the University of Provence in Aix, France, starting in 1983. Upon his return, he studied for a French degree at Liverpool University, achieving a first-class honours in 1990. He then taught French at the university from 1992 until his retirement in 2008.
Even in retirement, Alan's drive to contribute remained undimmed. He found a rewarding niche at Egremont Primary School in Wallasey, helping young children overcome reading difficulties. His instrumental role in the 1990s in securing a crucial National Lottery grant to completely renovate the Samaritans' Clarence Street premises in Liverpool further underscores his deep commitment to the charity's infrastructure and mission.
Personal Life and Lasting Legacy
Alan lived out his retirement in the Wallasey home he and Penny had purchased 65 years earlier. He was predeceased by his wife, Penny, in 2021, and was supported in his later years by a wide circle of friends. Alan cherished simple pleasures, particularly walking his dog, Daisy, followed by enjoying a coffee and tackling the Guardian quick crossword.
He is survived by his three children: Joanna, Michael, and Katherine. The story of Alan Woodhouse is not merely one of record-breaking service, but a powerful testament to a life lived in the service of others, through education, community support, and six decades of being a listening ear for those in their darkest moments.
