Samaritans propose to close more than 100 branches over next 10 years

Suicide prevention charity Samaritans plans to close more than 100 branches across the UK and Ireland in hopes of saving funds to improve services

The Samaritans charity has been helping prevent suicide through the power of human connection for over 70 years, since its founding in 1953. Connecting trained volunteers with those who may be struggling, Samaritans answers a call for help every 10 seconds and offers support to those in need via telephone, email, letters, and face-to-face. 

A vital source of support and help for those in need, while over half of their branches are planned to close, the hope is that through having fewer branches to manage, they will be able to “Look to move to fewer but bigger regions,” according to Chief Executive Julie Bentley. “It’s likely that within the next seven to 10 years, our branch network will have reduced by at least half.”

If the charity’s board agrees with the proposed plans to reduce the number of branches, changes would not begin until April 2026 in the UK and 2027 in Ireland. 

With many people reaching out for help, support, and to have someone to listen via the telephone, users should not notice a difference. Currently, volunteers answer calls in offices around the clock from across the UK and Ireland. The charity hopes that funds saved on maintaining physical branches could instead be used to help fund improvements to services. 

In a statement to BBC News, Samaritans emphasised their services would continue to be available 24/7, 365 days of the year. “Samaritans provides a life-saving service. The changing needs of our callers and volunteers mean thinking differently about the way our services need to work.”

With over 200 branches currently available across the UK and Ireland, different branches can vary significantly in size, with between 10 to 300 volunteers per site. The charity plans to consult with volunteers on plans over the upcoming months about the proposed plans.

For those looking to volunteer with Samaritans but are unable to due to location, transport, or mobility issues, a new way of volunteering may become available. A pilot scheme allowing volunteers to answer calls remotely could make it easier for volunteers to become involved and give their time.

Accessing help day and night

If you're worried that you or someone you love may be in crisis, call 111 or get help from 111 online. 111 can tell you the right place to get help. If you're worried someone’s life may be at risk, call 999 or go to A&E. 

The Samaritans provide support for whatever you are going through, day and night, for free. They are there to listen without judgement or pressure. You can call, email, write a letter, or speak with someone face-to-face at many branches. Find out more about how to contact Samaritans or discover how you can help support Samaritans as a volunteer, fundraiser, or in other ways.    

In addition to the Samaritans, other mental health charities also offer valuable support. Charity SANE offers SANEline. Open to talk and offer emotional support, guidance, and information for anyone affected by mental illness – including family, friends, and carers, 365 days a year, from 4 pm to 10 pm. 

Shout offers a 24/7 texting service for children, young people, and adults in need of urgent mental health support. Shout helps offer support for those experiencing a wide variety of issues, including suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, loneliness, relationship problems, and self-harm.

CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, offers free, confidential, anonymous support online, through WhatsApp, or via calls from 5 pm to midnight, 365 days a year.