Samaritans to push on with branch closures despite volunteers’ objections

Samaritans’ chief executive says a smaller branch network is necessary and that larger regional sites would enable more calls to be answered. Photograph: Gary Hider/Alamy

Samaritans is pressing ahead with controversial proposals to close some of its 200 local UK branches, insisting changes were necessary to make the 70-year-old organisation fit for the future.

Julie Bentley, the mental health charity’s chief executive, told the Guardian the organisation will set up three-year regional projects “co-created” with volunteers to develop more efficient ways of working, including branch mergers and closures.