Samaritans to Close Email and Letter Services

If you’re reading my blog, it’s possible like me you’ve needed or used the support offered by Samaritans. This blog post is about the changes coming to their services in 2026. I’m writing this because if you, someone you know or someone you talk to needs support, knowing these changes will be very beneficial.

Earlier this year, Samaritans announced it will close its long-standing email support service by the end of April (2026), followed by the closure of its letter writing service in August (2026). This move is part of a wider shift towards Samaritans providing more immediate, real-time support for people in crisis.

Key Dates for Service Changes

From 27 April 2026, anyone attempting to contact Samaritans via email for the first time will receive an automated response informing them that the service has closed. Individuals already using the email service will be supported in transitioning to alternative forms of help.

The charity’s letter-writing service will remain active until August 2026, after which any incoming letters will no longer receive a response.

Shift Toward Immediate Support

Samaritans say this decision reflects changing patterns in how people seek help, with Samaritans prioritising services that provide instant connection. The organisation will instead focus on its 24-hour telephone helpline and plans to expand its online chat service, which is currently in high demand.

The charity emphasised that while email support cannot offer immediate responses during moments of crisis, phone and live chat services allow trained volunteers to be present “in the moment they need us most.”

Further Information

More details about the changes can be found on the Samaritans website: samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/email-service-closing

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Blogger's note: This post does not include sponsored content. None of the services, projects, campaigns or charities mentioned have seen this post before it is published, nor have they instructed me on what to say. The views, experiences, thoughts and insights expressed in this post are my own. The links included are direct web links and are not affiliate links.

Additional links and signposting:

• Samaritans - Listening service

• Local Minds - Find your local Mind (mental health service)