Suicide prevention charity Samaritans is planning to close more than 100 branches across the UK and Ireland in a major restructuring of its operations. The organisation's chief executive Julie Bentley told staff it was "likely that within the next seven to 10 years our branch network will have reduced by at least half".
The charity, founded in 1953, connects trained volunteers with people who may be struggling and estimates it answers a call for help every 10 seconds. There are concerns the proposed changes could lead to an exodus of volunteers from the organisation.
Service 'not sustainable' at current size
In a statement to the BBC, Samaritans said its services were "not sustainable" at its current size. The charity explained that changing needs of callers and volunteers meant thinking differently about how services should 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," the statement said. The organisation provides a life-saving service day and night, 365 days a year.
Board to vote on changes
Samaritans said having over 200 branches, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, was hindering the charity from providing the best possible service to people who need help. The volunteers remain at the heart of the service despite the proposed restructuring.
The charity's board will vote on the plans at a meeting in September, according to the BBC. The proposed changes could potentially commence in April next year in the UK and 2027 in Ireland if approved.
Samaritans has been contacted for comment on the reported restructuring plans.
(PA/London) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
