Samaritans Defends Decision To Close Worthing Branch
Samaritans says its decision to close its Worthing branch at the end of November is part of plans to create a more sustainable service.
The charity is moving towards fewer, larger branches across the UK over the next decade, with Worthing having operated at a loss in three of the past five financial years.
However, volunteer Jim Pollard has criticised the decision, describing it as the worst time to be closing branches and raising concerns about the impact on around 120 volunteers.
He also questioned plans to expand home volunteering, warning that handling distressing calls without colleagues nearby could be challenging.
Vanessa Hamilton, Samaritans' assistant director of service delivery for the South, said the changes would allow more efficient shift planning and ensure more volunteers are available during key periods.
The charity has thanked Worthing volunteers for their contribution and confirmed there are currently no plans to close its other Sussex branches in Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings or Horsham.
Several thousand pounds is also expected to be invested in upgrading the Brighton branch.
Samaritans' free helpline remains available 24 hours a day on 116 123.
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