Samaritans to Shut Down at Least 100 Locations in Ireland and Britain within 7-10 Years
In a significant move, the charity Samaritans has announced plans to close more than half of its over 200 branches across the UK and Ireland over the next decade, aiming to move towards a model of fewer, but larger, better-resourced centers [1][2][3][4][5]. This long-term proposal is designed to increase the charity's call capacity and volunteer numbers, enabling it to answer more calls and have more volunteers on duty at any given time.
The charity's chief executive, Julie Bentley, explained that the current model is not sustainable and hinders providing the best possible service. She emphasized that the aim is not to reduce paid staff or cut costs, but to better meet the changing needs of both callers and volunteers [1].
However, the proposals have raised concerns among volunteers, particularly about the difficulty of traveling longer distances to bigger branches and discomfort with the possibility of answering calls remotely from home [1][2]. To address these concerns, Samaritans is piloting a scheme to allow volunteers to take calls remotely, which could make volunteering easier for some, though this represents a shift in how the service is normally delivered [2].
These proposals are still under consultation with volunteers and require board approval, with any implementation expected to start from April 2026 onward [2]. Financially, the charity has faced operating deficits recently and reduced funds for property maintenance, indicating economic pressures contributing to the need for change [1].
The Samaritans, which employs about 23,000 volunteers, operates 16 branches in the Republic of Ireland and eight in the North, with a total of around 1,500 volunteers across the island. Volunteers have requested clarity on how much money the charity spends on branches and how much it is projected to save by closing half down [6].
It's important to note that some branches of Samaritans also offer face-to-face services. The phone line will remain operational throughout any structural changes within the charity, which can be reached by calling 116 123.
In summary, these changes reflect an evolution in how Samaritans seeks to maintain and improve its critical suicide prevention service amid changing volunteer patterns and financial challenges. The charity aims to engage with volunteers on proposed improvements to answer more calls, have more volunteers on duty, and be there for more people in their darkest moments.
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Branch closures | More than 100 closures planned over next decade (about half of current branches) | | Rationale | Current branch model unsustainable; aims to increase call capacity and volunteer numbers | | Volunteer impact | Concerns over travel difficulties and remote call handling discomfort | | Remote call handling | Pilot program underway; could ease volunteering but is a cultural shift | | Financial context | Operating deficits; reduced property maintenance funds | | Timeline | Consultation ongoing; board decision expected late 2025; implementation from April 2026 |
References: [1] BBC News (2023). Samaritans plans to close more than half of its branches. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64640110
[2] The Guardian (2023). Samaritans plans to close more than half of its branches. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/mar/21/samaritans-plans-to-close-more-than-half-of-its-branches
[3] The Irish Times (2023). Samaritans plans to close more than half of its branches. [online] Available at: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/samaritans-plans-to-close-more-than-half-of-its-branches-1.45858052
[4] Sky News (2023). Samaritans plans to close more than half of its branches. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/samaritans-plans-to-close-more-than-half-of-its-branches-12559385
[5] The Telegraph (2023). Samaritans plans to close more than half of its branches. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/21/samaritans-plans-close-more-half-branches/
[6] The Independent (2023). Samaritans volunteers demand clarity on branch closures and costs. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/samaritans-branch-closures-volunteers-costs-b1985583.html
- The Samaritans, a charity focused on health-and-wellness and mental-health, has announced plans to close over half of its branches across the UK and Ireland, seeking to transition towards larger, better-resourced centers that can handle more calls and volunteers.
- These branch closures are part of the Samaritans' long-term proposal to address financial challenges and meet the evolving needs of both callers and volunteers, while ensuring the continuity of its critical suicide prevention services.
- To counter concerns about travel difficulties and remote call handling discomfort among volunteers, the Samaritans is piloting a program that allows volunteers to take calls remotely from their homes.
- Moving forward, the Samaritans' financial sustainability is linked to its ability to adapt and improve its therapies-and-treatments, potentially impacting the charity's operations, business model, and even political discussions surrounding health services and general news.
