Councillors unite in bid to pause Worthing Samaritans closure

Political differences aside, all 37 borough councillors have backed a letter to the Samaritans’ CEO appealing for the charity to reconsider its decision to close the branch on November 30.

The letter also calls for ‘meaningful consultation’ with volunteers and for a full review to consider the wider impact on ‘already pressured’ local services.

Worthing Borough Council leader Caroline Baxter, who led the cross-party call, said: "Every single councillor in Worthing has come together on this issue. Whatever our political differences, we are united in recognising the importance of our Samaritans branch and the contribution its volunteers make to our town.

"My concern goes well beyond the closure of a building. We are talking about the potential loss of experienced volunteers, an established local support network and relationships built over decades.

"At a time when our NHS, mental health services, GPs, social care and voluntary organisations are already under considerable pressure, we need to be looking at how we strengthen local support, not risk losing it.

"If this closure results in fewer volunteers and reduced local capacity, where does that pressure go? Who picks up the pieces? These are serious questions that need proper answers.

"I recognise that Samaritans faces challenges and needs to plan for the future. But a decision of this significance should not be taken without meaningful consultation with the people delivering the service and the wider organisations and communities that could be affected.

"We are asking Samaritans to pause the closure, engage properly with local partners and work with us to explore every reasonable alternative. There is still an opportunity to find a better way forward, but that requires a willingness to listen."

Worthing Samaritans has been part of the town for 57 years. Its 120 dedicated volunteers answered more than 20,500 calls last year, supporting people experiencing distress, loneliness and crisis.

Cllr Dom Ford, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, added: "When Caroline and I visited the branch, we heard directly from volunteers about the impact this decision is already having on them. Many have dedicated years, sometimes decades, to supporting people through incredibly difficult moments in their lives.

"For some, relocating to Brighton simply isn't practical. Transport, mobility, caring responsibilities and the need for support from colleagues all matter. Taking calls from home isn't a suitable alternative for everyone, particularly given the sensitive and sometimes distressing nature of the conversations.

"The risk is that we lose experienced volunteers who want to continue helping others but cannot accommodate these changes.

"Our local voluntary and community organisations play a vital role alongside health and care services. They provide support, connections and reassurance that cannot simply be replaced overnight.

"Before a decision like this is implemented, we need to understand what will be lost, what alternatives have been considered and what the impact could be on other services. That means talking to the volunteers, local organisations and health partners who understand how these services connect.

"Consultation should be a meaningful part of making a decision, not something that happens after it has already been made."

Cllr Baxter has requested a written response from the Samaritans’ board of trustees by Tuesday, November 3.