The mental health charity Samaritans has announced plans to close approximately 100 of its 200 branches across the UK and Ireland over the next few years, citing financial pressures. The move highlights the deepening crisis facing the voluntary sector, as rising demand and falling income force household-name charities to take drastic action.
Other major charities have also been cutting back. Macmillan Cancer Support has axed a quarter of its staff and reduced hardship grants; Scope has cut a fifth of its workforce; Oxfam GB has 265 roles at risk; the National Trust plans to shed 550 jobs; and Relate was rescued from administration after cutting a third of its staff. Thousands of smaller charities are merging, reducing services, or closing entirely.
The root cause is described as a 'perfect storm': a decade of austerity, the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have driven up demand for services, from food parcels to mental health support. Meanwhile, state funding has fallen, donations have stagnated, and national insurance costs have risen. Even Macmillan, which raises over £230m annually, has been drawing down reserves to stay afloat – a practice it says is unsustainable.
Samaritans' accounts show spending exceeding income for three consecutive years, with income from state grants and charitable activities declining. While closing branches might seem logical for cost savings, the charity is largely volunteer-run and hyperlocal. Volunteers have expressed dismay at the prospect of centralising services, noting that callers often seek human contact.
Samaritans insists it has no plans to replace volunteers with automated services. The broader sector faces a harsh reality: as public services decay and poverty rises, charities are overwhelmed by demand, and those most at risk are the vulnerable people they serve.
