6 days ago
Vital charity could be forced to close branch in Bournemouth
A VITAL charity could be forced to close in Bournemouth after the organisation has said its current business model is 'not sustainable'.
Samaritans is consulting with branches and will be closing around 100 of its more than 200 locations across the UK and Republic of Ireland as early as April next year.
The UK-based charity that provides confidential, emotional support to anyone struggling to cope, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, insisted its volunteers will continue to be available as usual.
The Bournemouth branch has been open since 1961 and was the sixth branch to open outside of Central London.
In 2024, volunteers in Bournemouth responded to more than 18,000 calls and around 7,000 emails.
The charity's chief executive Julie Bentley said: '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."
She added it had "become increasingly clear" having over 200 branches is "not sustainable" and is preventing the charity from providing the best possible service.
If you are struggling, you can call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email them at jo@ or visit to find your nearest branch.
