Elwyn Owens obituary

My husband, Elwyn Owens, who has died of cancer aged 76, worked throughout his life to improve the lives of children and vulnerable people, first as a social worker and then in various managerial positions in social services, including with Barnardo’s and ChildLine.

Elwyn was born in Stockport, Cheshire, to Thomas Owens, a builder, and Gladys (also born Owens), a housewife. However, he spent most of his childhood near Mold, in north-east Wales. After leaving Mold Alun grammar school at 16, he worked at a brickworks and the blood bank, both formative experiences, and then studied theology at London Bible College. He initially joined the probation service, but after qualifying as a social worker at Manchester University he switched in 1966 to become a social worker with Liverpool city council, rising swiftly to become district personal services officer in Everton. There he managed a busy team in a community facing significant deprivation, tackling numerous challenges with energy, imagination and commitment.