Suicide prevention charity Samaritans is planning to close more than 100 branches across the UK and Ireland.
According to the BBC, the organisation’s chief executive, Julie Bentley, informed staff in a presentation that it was “likely that within the next seven to 10 years our branch network will have reduced by at least half”.
Founded in 1953, Samaritans connects trained volunteers with people who may be struggling. The organisation estimates it answers a call for help every 10 seconds.
The BBC says there are concerns the plans could lead to an exodus of volunteers.
In a statement to the broadcaster, Samaritans said its services were “not sustainable” at its current size.
“Samaritans provides a life-saving service, day and night, 365 days a year but the changing needs of our callers and volunteers mean thinking differently about the way our services need to work,” it said.
“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, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, is not sustainable and hinders us providing the best possible service to people who need us.”
The BBC reports the charity’s board will vote on the plans at a meeting in September, with the proposed changes potentially commencing in April next year in the UK and 2027 in Ireland.
Samaritans has been contacted for comment.
