Samaritans To Close 100 Branches Across UK and Ireland
Samaritans, the suicide prevention charity answering a call for help every 10 seconds, is planning to close over 100 of its 200+ branches across the UK and Ireland. Chief executive Julie Bentley told volunteers the network is “not sustainable” and hinted at shifting toward fewer, larger hubs and more remote volunteering. The final decision will be made by the board in September, with changes expected to begin in April 2026 in the UK and 2027 in Ireland.
Volunteers across more than 50 branches have raised concerns, and are worried that the move toward a call-centre-style model and remote shifts will strip away the support and camaraderie that keeps them going. “Almost every single volunteer that I have spoken to have said if they introduce call centres, we’re out,” said one. Female volunteers have voiced particular discomfort about taking sensitive calls alone from home.
While the charity insists its goal is to “answer more calls” and “be there for more people,” critics argue that the loss of community spaces may deter volunteers, especially those who joined to combat isolation. “It does change the absolute basis of how we have worked,” said one. The Samaritans say they are still engaging volunteers before finalising the changes.
