Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity, has announced plans to close over 100 branches across the UK and Ireland. The Chief Executive of the organization conveyed in a presentation to staff that “at least half” of the branches will be shut down. Concerns have been raised by numerous branches, with some volunteers worried that the proposed changes will result in a loss of volunteers and disrupt the longstanding effectiveness of the charity.
The Samaritans, established in 1953, focuses on suicide prevention by connecting trained volunteers with individuals in need. The charity estimates that it responds to a call for help every 10 seconds. The proposed branch closures were communicated through a video message from the charity’s leadership to volunteers. Chief Executive Julie Bentley mentioned that within the next seven to 10 years, the branch network is expected to decrease by at least half. The changes are set to commence in the UK in April and in Ireland in 2027, pending approval by the charity’s board in September.
The Samaritans, often referred to as the fourth emergency service, play a vital role in suicide prevention by offering round-the-clock telephone support to those in distress. Concerns have been expressed by volunteers regarding the potential shift to “virtual volunteering,” as they fear it may lead to volunteers leaving the charity due to the challenges of handling suicide-related calls independently. Despite the organization’s focus on improving services, volunteers emphasize the importance of the personal support provided by local offices, which they believe may be lost with the proposed changes.
The charity’s decision to consider branch closures stems from the need to adapt to the evolving requirements of both callers and volunteers. Chief Executive Julie Bentley emphasized the importance of engaging with volunteers to enhance service delivery, enabling the organization to respond to more calls and support more individuals during their darkest moments. While acknowledging the dedication of Samaritans volunteers, Bentley stressed that maintaining over 200 branches, each varying in size and capacity, is not sustainable and limits the charity’s ability to provide the best possible service to those in need
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.