Why Do You Stay In An Abusing Relationship?

I mean, surely your training should tell you to get out fast, shouldn't it?

Thank you for continuing to highlight the concerns about the Samaritans charity (Samaritans to push on with branch closures despite volunteers’ objections, 1 October). I am a volunteer in the north-east of England and I and many of our volunteers have felt very unhappy about the proposed changes.

Those 'proposed changes ' being closing premises and expecting volunteers to work from home, unsupported by colleagues when they have a tough day at work. Probably the only organisation pusuing this, when all the others are trying to row back from it and get staff back into the office. 

It is really rewarding being a Samaritan, but can also be very challenging. Volunteers need a high degree of motivation, and this has inevitably been affected by the proposals.

Well, you are volunnteers - stop volunteering.  

Interestingly, in 2021 our chair, Keith Leslie, published A Question of Leadership, which is about leading organisational change. According to the Amazon description of this publication “60% to 70% of change initiatives fail”, caused by the leader’s “inability to fully consider the consequences and magnitude of the situation”. Also it states that change initiatives often overlook the mental health of those involved. I haven’t read this book, but I really can’t understand how its author could consider continuing as our chair when the leadership has run roughshod over the charity’s very core: the volunteers.

Gosh, a 'do as we tell you, not as we do' head of an organisation, who could see that one coming?

I am sure that most volunteers realise that change is inevitable and important. The drastic measures initially proposed do not take into account the dedication, loyalty and hard work that it takes to keep us all going.

We still have no details of the new proposals, but a kinder and more inclusive approach would be greatly appreciated.

Well, don't just whine about it - dig deep and tell yourself what you should tell those on the other end of the phone being bullied and disrespected - pull out, stop co-operating and leave.