'Difficult decision' to close Samaritans branch after more than 50 years

An elected representative has called for "answers" after the closure of the Omagh, County Tyrone, branch of the Samaritans charity.

Founded in 1953, the Samaritans focus on preventing suicides by connecting trained volunteers with people who are struggling. The charity estimates it answers a call for help every 10 seconds.

The Omagh branch, which had been part of the community for more than 50 years, had about 20 'active' volunteers, the charity said.

In a statement, the charity said "due to circumstances beyond anyone's control" a "difficult decision" was reached to close the branch.

Last year, the BBC learned that dozens of branches had voiced concerns over the plan to close more than 100 branches across the UK and Ireland.

At the time, the Samaritans said that having more than 200 branches "is not sustainable" and hindered them from providing the best service.

On Thursday, a Samaritans spokesperson told BBC News NI the closure of the branch "is not related to Samaritans future-proofing programme, which is not currently looking at services in Northern Ireland".

Samaritans of Omagh had not been open for face-to-face support with members of the public since March 2020, when all branches reduced services due to Covid-19 restrictions.

BBC News NI spoke to a former Omagh team member, who shared the volunteers' concerns about their future.

The branch covered counties Fermanagh and Tyrone, with volunteers making lengthy journeys for shifts, and they they said volunteers are conscious that the distance between other branches in Northern Ireland may be unattainable.

It is understood that the news of the closure came via email and those without email addresses were left unaware.

Speaking to BBC News NI, Sinn Féin councillor Barry McElduff said he intends to propose an "informal meeting" between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the charity "to explore the issues which have arisen and contributed to the closure".

"There is a lot of uncertainty as to the reasons that this has happened. We need answers," he said.

"There are a significant number of volunteers in the Omagh area, as I understand it, and there is a great need for this service."

A spokesperson for the charity said the Omagh branch "has been a valued part of Samaritans for more than 50 years" and they "recognise the contribution made" by successive trustees, directors, leaders and all volunteers.

"Sadly, and due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, the difficult decision was reached to close the branch," they said.

"Samaritans operates a national listening service, so people in Tyrone and across Northern Ireland will be unaffected and will remain able to access help from Samaritans at any time, day or night, 365 days a year on 116 123 or at samaritans.org.

"All volunteers in the branch have been offered support, as well as receiving one to one phone calls offering support and guidance around relocation. Support meetings have also been offered.

"Some volunteers have already begun the process of transferring to other locations."

The charity said any proceeds from future property sales will be reinvested into running Samaritans services across the UK and Ireland.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.