Worthing Samaritans To Close

Worthing Samaritans, based in Lennox Road, Worthing, has been told by the central Samaritans charity that it is to close on 30th November 2026. The Samaritans charity shop in the Strand, Durrington, will also close.

The future of Samaritans has been in doubt since the central charity announced a programme of rationalisation a year ago, to include some branch closures and amalgamations.

Worthing Samaritans was founded in 1969. It is an independent charity in its own right, affiliated to the central charity. Its caller technology is as supplied by the central charity, and uses the national free phone number, 116 123.

Worthing Samaritans was informed of the closure in a virtual meeting with representatives of the national charity on Monday 18th October. Prior to this the local volunteers and leadership had thought that Worthing might come to form part of a regional grouping. There is considerable disquiet and indeed anger among the volunteers, some of whom have been involved for 30 years or more. It is felt that the central charity has handled the situation badly.

One spoke of a sense of “bereavement” at having their voluntary service taken away from them. Volunteers may be offered the chance to work at other branches such as Brighton, Horsham or Bognor Regis which would involve considerable travel. The central charity is also said to be piloting the taking of calls at volunteers’ homes, but this is not yet fully developed, and many volunteers feel it would not be suitable for them.

Aggrieved volunteers have set up a petition on Facebook to save the charity.

Further virtual and in person meetings of volunteers are taking place to allow volunteers to air their concerns and feelings. Mark, a spokesperson for Worthing Samaritans said “we appreciate what central Samaritans are trying to do, but they have gone forward with no understanding of the feelings of the volunteers, and are being very rigid in their approach. Most of our 120 volunteers are unlikely to take roles in other branches due to the distances involved. We want to be there for our callers. We won’t go down without a fight.”

Pictured, Worthing Samaritans volunteers and friends at Worthing Train Station