DEVELOPING: Samaritans Face Crisis as Volunteers Flee Over Proposed Branch Closures

Breaking News: Samaritans Volunteer Exodus Looms as Branch Closures Plan Moves Forward Hundreds of Samaritans volunteers are threatening to leave the charity if plans to close over 100 branches go ahead, sparking fears for the organization's ability to answer calls. The crisis is set to unfold this weekend at a meeting where the proposals will be voted on. The proposed closures would see at least half of the Samaritans' UK and Ireland branches shut down by 2027, with volunteers instead working from larger offices or remotely. Critics argue that this will decimate the charity's work in local communities and put vulnerable people at risk. The plans were unveiled in July, but have been met with growing opposition from volunteers who fear for their roles and the impact on those they support. The Samaritans claim the changes will improve efficiency and allow them to answer more calls, but opponents say this is a flawed argument. If the proposals are passed, the first closures would begin in April in the UK and 2027 in Ireland, with a gradual reduction over the coming decade. This would leave many communities without access to face-to-face support from Samaritans volunteers. The charity's volunteer base is already showing signs of unrest, with some expressing concerns that their voices are not being heard. "It's falling on deaf ears," said one volunteer, James Watkins. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Bbc.*