The Omagh branch of the Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity founded in 1953, has ceased operations following a decision described by the organization as difficult and necessary due to unspecified circumstances. The branch had operated as part of the community for over five decades and maintained approximately 20 active volunteers at the time of closure.
The Samaritans organization answers a call for help every 10 seconds globally. The Omagh location had not provided face-to-face support since March 2020, when all branches reduced services in response to pandemic-related restrictions. The branch previously served counties Fermanagh and Tyrone, with volunteers traveling significant distances to staff shifts.
A Samaritans spokesperson stated the closure is not connected to the charity’s broader restructuring initiative, which is not currently evaluating services in Northern Ireland. Earlier reporting indicated the organization had considered closing more than 100 branches across the UK and Ireland, with leadership stating that maintaining more than 200 branches was unsustainable and potentially compromised service quality.
Local elected officials have expressed concern about the closure. Sinn Féin councillor Barry McElduff announced plans to arrange an informal meeting between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the charity to examine factors contributing to the decision. He emphasized the substantial presence of volunteers in the area and highlighted the significant community need for the service.
The Samaritans indicated that affected volunteers have been offered support, individual phone calls providing guidance, and relocation assistance to other branches. Some volunteers have already begun transferring to alternative locations. The charity stated that proceeds from any future property sales will be reinvested into Samaritans services across the UK and Ireland. People in the region continue to access the national listening service at 116 123 or through samaritans.org.
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