Samaritans Walsall has campaigned for funds to replace its portable cabin, raising nearly 300,000 but faces uncertainty due to proposed closures of branches across the UK. The central office's suggestion to move volunteers to regional hubs has raised concerns about losing local support and creating a call-centre model. Volunteers feel blindsided by the announcement, questioning how to proceed with recently raised funds for their building. The cabin, in disrepair, has been a crucial support point for local individuals in crisis amidst rising building costs.
Dozens of branches across the country have raised alarm at the charity's in principle decisions, which are still under consultation until the board of trustees meet in September.
At one point we were frightened to use the toilet because the floor was going to give way.
We just don't know what to do now. Do we carry on? It's soul-destroying.
We had an event last week and someone else had raised 1,000 for us, and we didn't know what to do.
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