Samaritans to push on with branch closures despite volunteers’ objections

Charity has apparently reduced number of sites it wants to shut but insists change needs to happen'

Samaritans is pressing ahead with controversial proposals to close some of its 200 local UK branches, insisting changes were necessary to make the 70-year-old organisation fit for the future.

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.