Hundreds of volunteers at the suicide prevention charity Samaritans have threatened to resign if plans to close more than 100 of its branches across the UK and Ireland are approved at an upcoming meeting. The proposals, announced in July, would see the number of branches cut by at least half over the next decade, as the charity seeks to shift towards a remote working model with volunteers operating from larger regional hubs or from home.

Samaritans leadership argues that maintaining over 200 branches is no longer sustainable and limits its ability to provide the best possible service. The charity claims that these changes will enable it to answer more calls, reduce waiting times, and make it easier to recruit volunteers. According to the organisation, it currently responds to a call every ten seconds and aims to continue offering round-the-clock support across the UK and Ireland.

However, the plans have been met with strong opposition within the volunteer community, sparking fears that closing local branches will severely damage the charity’s presence and effectiveness in local communities. Some branches, which have built deep connections over many years, fear these closures risk eroding the trust and accessibility that local physical locations offer. One volunteer from Rhyl, Denbighshire, expressed concern that if his branch shuts, many volunteers would leave rather than switch to remote work. He highlighted the unique value of local engagement, such as outreach at colleges and train stations, which could be lost without a physical base.

The scale of potential volunteer loss is alarming; a recent survey among Welsh volunteers revealed that around three-quarters would not continue if their local branch closed, nor were they interested in remote volunteering. Volunteers also question the safety and emotional support of remote working, especially during crisis calls. One long-serving volunteer on the Isle of Wight described the idea of taking calls alone at night without a ‘shift buddy’ nearby as risky for both callers and volunteers, stressing that this setup has never been part of the Samaritans’ traditional model.

In response to these concerns, the charity acknowledges it is still piloting remote volunteering and insists that even if the plan proceeds, working from a branch will remain an option. Nevertheless, some volunteers dismiss recruitment hopes tied to remote working as overly optimistic. There is growing unrest within the organisation, with more than 50 branches initially voicing objections and growing calls for votes of no confidence in the charity’s leadership.

The Samaritans have pledged ongoing engagement with volunteers to refine the plans and emphasise their commitment to being there for anyone in distress, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Yet, critics warn that if volunteer numbers dwindle as feared, the charity’s ability to respond to calls could be jeopardised, potentially heralding a bleak future for what many see as a vital lifeline for mental health support.

Founded in 1953, Samaritans has long been a cornerstone in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. But the debate over branch closures highlights broader challenges faced by charities seeking to balance sustainability with local, accessible support at a time of increasing demand for mental health services.

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Source: Noah Wire Services