A campaign to save Worthing Samaritans is gathering support as the charity prepares to close its local branch at the end of November.
All 37 Worthing borough councillors have called for the decision to be paused amid concerns about the impact on volunteers and people who rely on the service.
The branch has supported the Worthing community for 57 years, providing a listening ear to people experiencing emotional distress, loneliness and difficult times.
Last year alone, volunteers answered more than 20,000 calls, offering confidential emotional support to those who needed someone to talk to.
The proposed closure has spurred an online petition calling for Worthing Samaritans to remain open.
The campaign, titled Save Worthing Samaritans, encourages supporters to make their voices heard and demonstrate the importance of maintaining the service in the town.
Volunteers are concerned about losing a long-established local branch and the experience of volunteers who have dedicated their time to helping others.
Carol Collis is a volunteer at Worthing Samaritans and co-ordinating the effort to Save Worthing Samaritans, she says: "We know there is a national mental health crisis.
"Demand for Samaritans is greater than ever. Our service needs to find ways to answer more calls—and Worthing volunteers want to be part of the solution especially in the run up to Christmas and the weeks after which many people find incredibly difficult.
We have more than 100 qualified listening volunteers, with more in training right now. Sadly, many can’t work from home or travel to Brighton. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Dr Beccy Cooper MP and Caroline Baxter to help us find that solution. Our volunteers will be in Worthing Town Centre Montague Gardens 31 Oct 26 from 11am to listen to your views on this.
"I would like to say if you need Samaritans, please keep calling 116 123. Your call will be answered even if Worthing is no longer there. We hope that something can be done, so that Worthing volunteers can continue to have the privilege of taking those calls."
However, Samaritans nationally says the planned closure forms part of its efforts to futureproof the organisation and support a sustainable listening service.
The charity is reviewing how its services operate to ensure it can continue providing emotional support to people who need it in the future.
Despite this explanation, opposition to the closure continues, with councillors urging the organisation to reconsider its plans before a final decision is implemented.
People wishing to support the campaign can sign the petition at:
https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-closure-of-worthing-samaritans
Anyone needing emotional support can contact Samaritans free of charge on 116 123, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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