Worthing Samaritans closure decision won't be revisited - but volunteers aren't backing down

The branch in Lennox Road, which has served the town for 57 years, is due to close on November 30, alongside the charity’s shop in Strand Parade.

Samaritans’ central office said the decision was made amid a national restructuring plan that aims to ‘build a more sustainable service for the future’.

Since the closure was announced in October, volunteers have been campaigning to save the branch, with backing from local MP Beccy Cooper and the borough council.

In a letter supported by all 37 borough councillors, Mrs Baxter urged the charity to halt the closure and carry out ‘meaningful consultation’ with volunteers.

However, Samaritans chief executive Julie Bentley has now confirmed the decision will not be reconsidered.

A letter from Ms Bentley, seen by the Worthing Herald, reads: “We know this decision is upsetting for many volunteers, supporters and partners, and we do not underestimate the significance of closing a branch with such a proud history.

“Your letter asks us to pause the closure and undertake a further review. I appreciate the reasons for making that request. However, the decision to close Worthing branch has been taken by the Board of Trustees following extensive consideration through the Future Proofing programme, over a prolonged period and will not be revisited.”

Ms Bentley said volunteers had been aware of the wider restructuring programme, but had not been consulted prior to the closure of the Worthing branch.

She added: “We took the view, informed by insight from senior volunteers, that seeking to involve branch directors in taking a decision about their branch’s future was not appropriate or fair and indeed feedback to us has indicated this was the right decision.”

Cllr Baxter said she was ‘deeply disappointed’ by the decision and has, again, urged the charity to reconsider.

She said: “At the very least, we ask that meaningful engagement now takes place with Worthing volunteers and local partners before any final arrangements are implemented, including how local outreach will be maintained and how experienced volunteers can be retained.”

Last year, Worthing volunteers took more than 20,500 calls from members of the public, offering support on everything from bereavement and loneliness to gender and sexuality issues. The response from Ms Bentley has not slowed their campaign to save the branch, according to volunteer Jim Pollard.

He said: “We’ve taken much more difficult news – and have helped people to deal with it – than what we’re getting from central office at the moment.

"We can handle it.”

The branch’s volunteers are due to meet on Thursday (November 12) to discuss their ‘next moves’.

Their campaign continued over the weekend, with volunteers speaking with members of the public in Goring on Saturday (November 7).

More than 8,000 people have now signed a petition to halt the closure – making it the fastest-growing in the South of England, according to Change.org

Heather Bridgwater, who started the petition, said: “There is so much love for Worthing Samaritans out there. We’ve been really overwhelmed.”