Major British institution with Glasgow branch 'to close more than 100 locations'
The Samaritans is planning to shut more than 100 branches across the UK and Ireland.
In a presentation to staff, the non-profit organisation's top boss said 'at least half' of their branches will close, reports the BBC.
According to the suicide prevention charity, having more than 200 locations 'is not sustainable and hinders' them from providing the best service.
Founded in 1953, the good cause aims to prevent suicides by connecting trained volunteers with people who are struggling.
Estimates claim the charity receives a call for help every 10 seconds. It is understood that the proposal to close branches was revealed in a video message sent by the charity to volunteers last week.
However, it was reported that loads of branches had voiced concerns, with some fearing the plan would lead to an exodus of volunteers.
A volunteer told the BBC: "They're dismantling something that has worked for over 70 years."
Currently, the Samaritans have a branch on West George Street in Glasgow city centre.
READ MORE: Retailer with Glasgow Silverburn store on 'brink of collapse'
Chief executive Julie Bentley said while there wasn't 'a definitive view' on how many branches the charity needed: "It's likely that within the next seven to 10 years our branch network will have reduced by at least half."
She added: "With less branches, we'll look to move to fewer but bigger regions."
If the worthy causes' board agrees to the plans in September, the changes will begin in April in the UK and in 2027 in Ireland; however, the list of branches which could close has not been decided yet.
In a statement to BBC News, the Samaritans emphasised that their services would continue to be available every minute of every day, so people should always be able to contact them.
"Samaritans provides a life-saving service, day and night, 365 days a year, but the changing needs of our callers and volunteers mean thinking differently about the way our services need to work," said Ms Bentley.
The top boss added: "We are engaging with our volunteers on proposed improvements that will mean we are able to answer more calls, have more volunteers on duty and be there for more people in their darkest moments.
"Samaritans volunteers are hugely dedicated to being there for our callers and they remain at the heart of our service, but it has become increasingly clear that having over 200 branches, varying in size from 10 to 300 volunteers, is not sustainable and hinders us providing the best possible service to people who need us."
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