Worthing Samaritans Volunteers Face Branch Closure in Six Weeks

Closure announced with little notice

Volunteers at Worthing Samaritans received news of the branch closure on 19 October during a Zoom meeting, just one day after being sent an email. Around 120 volunteers were affected by the announcement that the branch would shut within six weeks.

Liz Holland, who has volunteered for four years, described the response as one of shock. She said: "We were told that the branch would be closing within six weeks. Distress, anger, frustration, that's how we feel."

Some volunteers have served at the Worthing branch for over five decades. Staff at the headquarters on Lennox Road answer calls from people across the country through Samaritans' national helpline, which operates around the clock and supports people experiencing distress or struggling with suicidal thoughts. Typically, up to five volunteers work together on each shift answering calls and online messages.

Concerns over volunteer support

Volunteers have raised concerns about the loss of in-person working arrangements. Liz Holland explained that working alongside colleagues is important because volunteers receive highly distressing calls and need immediate support afterwards.

Volunteers were told they could transfer to Brighton, which is being developed as a regional centre, or consider Horsham and Bognor Regis as alternatives. However, many volunteers say they would be unable to travel these distances, particularly for overnight shifts.

Samaritans has been developing a homeworking option, but a letter from Worthing West MP Dr Beccy Cooper to Civil Society Minister Vicky Foxcroft indicated this would not be available until summer 2027 at the earliest.

Local infrastructure and reserves

The Worthing branch operates from a building owned by its local charity and has recently invested in fire and security improvements. Liz Holland noted that the branch is largely self-supporting. Although the branch reported a loss this year due to refurbishments, Holland said it has "more than ample reserves" to cover this.

The Worthing Samaritans charity shop in The Strand is also expected to close at the end of November, despite having recently been refurbished.

Political support for volunteers

Dr Beccy Cooper MP met volunteers at their headquarters on 23 October and has written to the Civil Society Minister asking her to intervene. Dr Cooper called for a pause to the closure while the homeworking system is developed, describing the Worthing volunteers as "collateral damage in a corporate restructure".

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