Suicide prevention charity Samaritans are planning to close around half of its 200 branches across the UK and Ireland.
The charity has said that its current operation is 'not sustainable' and while an exact number of closures is yet to be confirmed, volunteers have been told it is likely to affect around 100.
Founded in 1953, the charity aims to prevent suicides by connecting trained volunteers with people who may be struggling.
It estimates that volunteers answer a call for help every 10 seconds and many of its staff view themselves as the fourth emergency service.
But plans to work from home have raised fears among volunteers, with up to a quarter of branches having voiced concerns, as some believe it will cause many to leave the charity.
