Worthing Samaritans branch to close - 'deeply grateful to every one of the volunteers'
Worthing’s Samaritans branch is set to close as the charity seeks to become more financially sustainable.
The centre in Lennox Road has operated at a loss for three of the past five financial years, according to public records.
A petition, launched by a Samaritans volunteer, said the branch will close ‘at the end of November’.
Vanessa Hamilton, Samaritans’ assistant director of service delivery (South), said: “Worthing branch has been a valued part of Samaritans and we are deeply grateful to every one of the volunteers.
"However, after careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close the branch as part of our ongoing efforts to build a more sustainable service for the future.
“Over the next decade, we are moving to fewer, larger branches across the UK and while we deeply value our volunteers, our ultimate duty is to service-users.
"Our Future Proofing programme is modernising our service so that, for example, more efficient shift planning will mean more volunteers on duty at key times and less of the admin that can keep senior volunteers from answering calls, all of which will help sustain our life-saving listening service.
“We are hugely grateful to the Worthing branch volunteers for all their hard work over the years and we are now working to support everyone at the branch affected including exploring opportunities to continue to volunteer with Samaritans in the future.”
The Samaritans provide free, confidential, emotional support and suicide prevention services 24-hours a day, all year round.
Anyone who needs support can continue to call its national helpline on 116 123 at any time of the night or day.
Brighton’s branch will now be the nearest centre for Worthing volunteers.