Samaritans' set-up 'not sustainable'

SUICIDE prevention charity Samaritans is consulting on plans to close around half of its branches across the UK and Ireland.

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This could equate to around 100 of the more than 200 locations it runs, with the charity saying the current operation is "not sustainable".

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

The organisation estimates that it answers a call for help every 10 seconds.

It has insisted its volunteers will continue to be available as usual, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.