The Samaritans has announced plans to close around half of its 200 branches over the next few years, highlighting the severe financial strain facing UK charities. The mental health charity is the latest household name to take drastic action as rising demand and falling income create a 'perfect storm' for the voluntary sector.
Other major charities have also been forced to cut 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 is shedding 550 jobs; and Relate was rescued from administration after cutting a third of its staff. Thousands of smaller charities are also shedding jobs, cutting services, or closing entirely.
The crisis stems from a decade of austerity, the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis, which have driven up demand while state funding and donations have fallen. National insurance costs have also risen. Even Macmillan, which raises over £230 million a year, has been drawing down reserves to cover deficits, a practice it now deems unsustainable.
Samaritans' accounts show spending has exceeded income for three consecutive years, and income from grants and charitable activities has declined. While a business might see branch closures as a logical step to reduce costs and potentially raise funds from asset sales, the charity relies heavily on volunteers who value hyperlocal, face-to-face support.
One volunteer described the organisation as 'a cross between an emergency service and the WI: life and death and ginger biscuits.' They added that closing branches and automating services seems odd for a service used by people 'dying of lack of human contact.' Samaritans has stressed it has no plans to replace volunteers with automated services.
Staff and volunteers often feel abandoned by large charities' corporate centres, criticising high managerial salaries, expensive rebrands, and a spreadsheet culture. However, charity boards face the harsh reality that expenditure cannot exceed income indefinitely. As public services decay and poverty rises, charities are overwhelmed by demand, leaving beneficiaries—the poor and desperate—most at risk.
