We鈥檙e encouraging everyone to take time out for a cuppa and a catch-up today on Monday 20 January as part of mental health charity 鈥� annual Brew Monday campaign.
Brew Monday
The third Monday in January 鈥� or Blue Monday 鈥� is sometimes referred to as 鈥榯he most difficult day of the year鈥�. But this a myth Samaritans is dispelling. In fact, the charity鈥檚 listening volunteers are busy every day. They answer a call for help every 10 seconds.
Together, we want to ensure nobody struggles alone on Blue Monday, or any other day. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e reminding everyone to look out for one another and stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up.
Connecting over a cuppa
Meanwhile, volunteers will visit local railway stations across the country today. They鈥檒l hand out teabags and chat to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa.
Louise McNally, suicide prevention lead at 51爆料, said:聽鈥淪mall moments like catching up over a cuppa, can play a big role in helping people who are struggling. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e proud to support Samaritans鈥� Brew Monday campaign and share this important message to passengers and staff.鈥�
Olivia Cayley, head of rail programme at Samaritans, said: 鈥淥n Brew Monday we鈥檙e reminding the public that human connection can be life saving and we鈥檙e so grateful to the rail industry for their support this year.
鈥淥ur volunteers are busy all year round, answering a call for help every 10 seconds, so we know people can find things tough at any time and there鈥檚 no such thing as the 鈥榳orst day of the year鈥�. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 vital that we all take the time to check in on each other every day. Whether it鈥檚 over a cup of tea, going for a walk or having a chat over the phone, the important thing is that you share how you鈥檙e feeling and really listen so anyone who might be struggling knows they don鈥檛 have to face their challenges alone.鈥�
15 years of working together
This Brew Monday marks 15 years of our partnership with Samaritans. The rail industry and British Transport Police have been working with the charity since 2010 to reduce suicides on the railway. During this time, it鈥檚 helped train over 30,000 railway employees in suicide prevention techniques through the charity鈥檚 Managing Suicidal Contacts course. This training helps our colleagues support and recognise those who come to the railway in emotional crisis.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won鈥檛 show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit
