Samaritans to Close Worthing Branch as Part of National Restructuring

Samaritans confirms closure of Worthing branch

Samaritans has confirmed that the Worthing branch, a local fixture for 57 years, will close permanently on November 30.

The decision, part of a national restructuring plan, will also see the closure of the charity’s associated shop in Strand Parade, according to SussexWorld.

The national organization is shifting toward a model of fewer, larger branches to improve service efficiency. Chief executive Julie Bentley stated that the charity aims to strengthen volunteer capacity and provide more reliable support, noting that despite answering over 3 million calls in 2025, some callers still do not get through during overnight hours, as reported by The Guardian.

Neil Mathers, executive director of Samaritans Scotland, added: This will help ensure callers can reach a volunteer more quickly, particularly during times when callers wait too long for an answer.

Volunteers contest national restructuring

Local volunteers in Worthing have launched a campaign to reverse the decision, gathering more than 7,000 signatures on a petition. Jim Pollard, a volunteer at the branch for 10 years, told The Guardian that the group remains in shock, stating, “Everybody was crying… tears were just pouring out.”

Seven years ago, volunteers Mark and Carol at the Worthing branch saved a stranger’s life after he climbed scaffolding and threatened to jump; the man later walked to the branch, where a cup of tea was waiting for him. That was an amazing feeling, recalls Mark.

The Worthing branch is one of several locations earmarked for closure or merger as part of the charity’s “Future Proofing” programme. Other affected branches include those in Thurso, Shetland, Stornoway, and Orkney. The charity is merging its Halifax and Huddersfield operations into a single Bradford location, and consolidating its Inverness and Elgin branches, according to the Inverness Courier and The Guardian.

Moray MSP Laura Mitchell told TFN: The Samaritans branch in Elgin has provided vital support to people for over 50 years so I am concerned that plans to close it will impact people in our community needing emotional support.

Management rejects calls for consultation

Despite formal requests from local MP Beccy Cooper and 37 borough councillors to pause the closure for further review, Samaritans leadership has stated the decision will not be revisited. In a letter to local stakeholders, Julie Bentley explained that the board of trustees reached this conclusion after extensive consideration, and they deemed it inappropriate to involve branch directors in decisions regarding their own future, as reported by SussexWorld.

Volunteers in Worthing are scheduled to meet on November 12 to discuss their next moves. While the charity maintains that the transition is necessary to ensure the 24/7 helpline remains stable, some long-serving volunteers argue that the centralisation ignores the human contact and local community roots that define the organization’s work.

Why Samaritans is closing local branches

Why is Samaritans closing local branches?
The charity reports that it is struggling to maintain its aging, 14,000-strong volunteer force and that demand for services is rising. By moving to fewer, larger branches in high-density areas, management aims to cut waiting times and ensure more calls are answered, particularly during overnight hours.

Will volunteers be able to transfer to other locations?

Is the decision to close the Worthing branch final?
Yes. According to SussexWorld, chief executive Julie Bentley confirmed in a letter that the decision was made by the Board of Trustees following a prolonged period of review and will not be revisited.

Global support resources

• If you are struggling, Samaritans can be reached on 116 123.
• In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.