#samaritans

#samaritans

I am a volunteer in the north-east of England and I and many of our volunteers have felt very unhappy about the proposed changes. It is really rewarding being a Samaritan, but can also be very challenging. Volunteers need a high degree of motivation, and this has inevitably been affected by the proposals. Interestingly, in 2021 our chair, Keith Leslie, published A Question of Leadership, which is about leading organisational change.

Julie Bentley, the mental health charity's chief executive, told the Guardian the organisation will set up three-year regional projects co-created with volunteers to develop more efficient ways of working, including branch mergers and closures. She described the changes as evolution not revolution, but conceded the Samaritans would operate a smaller branch network in future. Change needs to happen, let's make sure it happens in a clear and considered way, she said.

we can answer more calls, cut wait times and make it easier for people to volunteer with us

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.

A man with a knife attacked two good Samaritans after they escorted a woman he was allegedly following, police in New York City said.