Our need for change
Put simply, we know that we will still need to be here in 10, 20, 30 years from now and if we do not start adapting now we risk not being there for people in their darkest hour. We risk not helping to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide.
For over 70 years, Samaritans has been working tirelessly to save lives from suicide. How we operate, how we are structured, what we do, has all grown over the years. But today we know that we have been stretched too thin for too long. It’s time to refocus our energy and resources (that’s our volunteer time, our staff and the public’s generous donations) to where we can demonstrably make the biggest difference to reducing suicide rates.
Our futureproofing programme will be delivered carefully over a number of years, and for now is focused in the UK and not in Ireland. For many, the changes will be gradual and we will ensure our people are listened to and supported throughout the change. At the heart of the change is the people who call us. The people who reach out to us in their darkest hours. Our commitment is to you, our callers. You deserve the best that Samaritans can provide.