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Alan Woodhouse, who has recently passed away at the age of 92, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving volunteer in the history of the Samaritans, an organisation dedicated to providing support for individuals facing emotional distress or contemplating suicide. His remarkable six-decade commitment to the Liverpool and Merseyside branch began in 1960 when the branch was first established, and he continued to answer calls well into the 21st century.
The origins of the Samaritans trace back to 1953 in London, founded by the Reverend Chad Varah. The Liverpool branch, which was the organisation’s second, started in the crypt of St Nicholas Church at the Liverpool Pier Head, opening its doors on 1 March 1960. Alan was there on the very first overnight shift. In the 1990s, his efforts were crucial in obtaining a National Lottery grant, which enabled a full renovation of the branch’s premises on Clarence Street in Liverpool.
Born in Normanton, West Yorkshire, Alan was the younger son of Edith, a nurse, and George Woodhouse, who worked in a woollen mill. He attended Holme Valley grammar school (now Honley High) and then went on to study English at Jesus College, Oxford, earning his degree in 1955. The same year, he married Penny Hopwood, and the couple settled in Wallasey. Alan’s career in education was distinguished; shortly after graduating, he became head of English at Alsop High School in Liverpool. From 1967 to 1983, he served as head of English studies and directed a degree course at CF Mott College of Higher Education in Prescot.
Alan’s academic journey led him to France in 1983, where he taught phonetics and English literature at the University of Provence in Aix for three years. Upon returning to the UK, he pursued a degree in French at Liverpool University, achieving a first-class honours in 1990. He then taught French there from 1992 until his retirement in 2008. Even after retirement, Alan remained active, volunteering at Egremont Primary School in Wallasey to assist children with reading difficulties.
In recognition of his extraordinary volunteer service, Alan was awarded an MBE in 2017 and received the honour at Buckingham Palace from the then Prince of Wales, who was the Samaritans’ royal patron. Reflecting on the award, Alan remarked, “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.” His volunteering only ceased in March 2020 due to the onset of the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Alan was predeceased by his wife Penny, who passed away in 2021. He spent his later years at their longtime home in Wallasey, surrounded by friends and comforted by simple pleasures like walking his dog, Daisy, and tackling the Guardian quick crossword. He leaves behind three children: Joanna, Michael, and Katherine
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