‘Difficult decision’ to close Samaritans branch after more than 50 years

• Samaritans branch closing after 50+ years of operation due to unspecified operational challenges, highlighting potential workforce pressures on mental health support services
• Closure may impact local suicide prevention capacity and crisis support availability, requiring GPs to identify alternative referral pathways for patients in psychological distress
• Consider signposting patients to remaining Samaritans services (116 123) and other crisis resources (Crisis Text Line, NHS 111, A&E) as continuity of mental health support is maintained through alternative channels

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

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