Major charity used every 10 seconds may 'shut 100 branches' in UK and Ireland

The Samaritans charity could shut over 100 branches in the UK and Ireland as the important organisation is set to consult its volunteers on its plans. The suicide prevention charity currently has around 200 sites, varying from 10 to 300 volunteers, but is looking to reshuffle its priorities and focus on upscaling some branches and possibly closing others. The proposals could see over half of Samaritans' existing sites shut, subject to consultation with volunteers, but officials say the move wouldn't impact service capacity.

Charity CEO Julie Bentley said: "Samaritans provides a life-saving service, day and night, 365 days a year, but the changing needs of our callers and volunteers means thinking differently about the way our services need to work. We are engaging with our volunteers on proposed improvements that will mean we are able to answer more calls, have more volunteers on duty, and be there for more people in their darkest moments.

"Samaritans volunteers are hugely dedicated to being there for our callers and they remain at the heart of our service, but it has become increasingly clear that having over 200 branches is not sustainable and hinders us from providing the best possible service to people who need us."

Samaritans has evolved its more than 200-site strong portfolio since its founding 70 years ago, with a network of local sites initially created to cater for regional telephone networks, something that is no longer necessary.

In a bid to be able to assist even more people, the charity could launch a pilot scheme to test larger-scale remote working - something which, while optional, officials hope will boost its output and incentivise more volunteers to come onboard, especially those living in remote locations or helping out on night shifts.

Samaritans says it answers a "call for help" from someone in the UK and Ireland "every 10 seconds" and currently has around 23,000 volunteers offering their time for the cause.

The branch closures, which remain subject to approval and the locations of which have not been confirmed, could come into effect next April in the UK and in 2027 in Ireland, the BBC reports.

"We're not against change," one volunteer said, "but they've not provided any evidence that these changes will improve the charity. It feels more like the professionalisation of the Samaritans."

The Samaritans can be reached round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you need a response immediately, it's best to call them on the phone. You can reach them by calling 116 123, by emailing jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org.