Lerwick Samaritans branch to close
The charity said it is ‘working closely with the volunteers affected to offer support and explore new ways they can continue contributing to Samaritans’ work’
THE LERWICK branch of the Samaritans is set to close next year as part of a wider reorganisation of the charity’s operations in the north of Scotland.
Volunteers in Shetland have been made aware the branch will close by March 2027.
There will be four closures in the north of Scotland, which reportedly also includes branches in areas like Orkney and the Western Isles, and one merger.
The charity’s Scotland director Neil Mathers said: “Samaritans is making changes to how we deliver our listening service across the UK, moving towards fewer, larger branches so we can strengthen volunteer capacity and provide more reliable support for anyone who needs us.”
Anyone who needs support can continue to contact Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123.
Samaritans volunteers offer people in need a listening ear, 24/7. Across the UK, the volunteers have had millions of potentially life-saving calls since 1961.
The charity has branches across the country, including on Charlotte Street in Lerwick where local volunteers take calls.
Last year the local branch celebrated four decades of providing listening services.
But it is set to close its doors amid changes to the Samaritans branch structure.
Mathers said the changes will help to “ensure callers can reach a volunteer more quickly, particularly during times when callers wait too long for an answer”.
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are hugely grateful for the dedication and compassion shown by those in Shetland and all over Scotland,” he continued.
“We recognise that it is difficult for volunteers to hear their branch will close. We are working closely with the volunteers affected to offer support and explore new ways they can continue contributing to Samaritans’ work.
“Although the way we organise our listening service is changing, our commitment to communities remains the same.
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“We will continue to be visible and active across Scotland, working with volunteers and partners to maintain local presence, outreach and representation.”
Mathers added: “Our helpline operates nationally, connecting callers to the next available volunteer wherever they are based. Anyone who needs support can continue to contact Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123.”
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