Long-serving volunteers at Samaritans have described feeling "blindsided" and "heartbroken" by proposals to close multiple branches of the vital mental health charity across the UK.
Volunteers Left Reeling
Many of the charity's 20,000 volunteers only learned about the potential closures through media reports, with some describing the news as "soul-destroying" after dedicating years to supporting vulnerable callers.
Services Under Threat
The proposed restructuring could see:
- Several regional branches closing permanently
- Reduced face-to-face support services
- Potential gaps in 24/7 coverage
Charity Leadership Responds
Samaritans CEO Julie Bentley acknowledged the "difficult decisions" facing the organisation, stating: "We must evolve to meet changing demand while maintaining our vital services." However, volunteers argue the plans could leave vulnerable people without critical support.
Community Impact
Local branches provide:
- Face-to-face emotional support
- School and workplace outreach programmes
- Training for other mental health services
Mental health experts warn that reducing Samaritans' physical presence could have devastating consequences, particularly in rural areas with limited alternative services.
