Samaritans to go ahead with branch closures

THE Samaritans will close some branches and merge others in a major shakeup of how the charity works.

- By Aine Fox

The announcement yesterday came after the suicide prevention charity consulted on plans to close around half its branches.

That could equate to 100 of the 200 locations it runs.

Founded in 1953, the charity connects trained volunteers with people who may be struggling with their mental health.

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In the summer, the Samaritans said it had become “increasingly clear that having over 200 branches, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, is not sustainable and hinders us providing the best possible service to people who need us”.