Colleagues silenced over branch closure plans, claim Samaritans

A SENIOR Samaritans volunteer has resigned after being suspended for speaking out about the charity's controversial plans to close at least 100 UK branches.

- LUCY JOHN

The mental health and suicide prevention charity has been slammed for creating a “culture of fear” that has “silenced” volunteers who wish to publicly oppose its proposals.

In October it was reported that the charity suspended at least two of its branch directors and one former branch director, 48 hours before its general annual meeting.

It came after plans were revealed that the charity would close more than half of its 200 branches and it is understood that the suspensions targeted volunteers who spoke to the media questioning the proposals.

One of those suspended is linked to a Welsh Samaritans branch and has since resigned.

One anonymous volunteer, who is not one of those suspended, told the Western Mail: “This does start to feel like people are being silenced, that people who have a point of view are not allowed to express that view.

“I would say there is something very close to a culture of fear where people are concerned about speaking out and saying how they really feel for fear that if they do they come under the wrath of the central executive and trustees in London.

“The fact this should be happening within a charity that specialises in mental health is even more worrying and more concerning.

“If this was happening at a corporate company we might expect it, but a charity that is dealing with mental health issues and is the leading mental health charity in the country? That people should be feeling like this is a disgrace.”