Rail industry joins charity to encourage staff and public to have a cuppa and a catch-up instead for the charity’s annual Brew Monday campaign.
So-called ‘Blue Monday’ may be fast approaching but we’re supporting Samaritans to spread the message that there’s no such thing as the saddest day of the year.
The suicide prevention charity is keen to dispel the idea that the third Monday of January is particularly difficult, as its listening volunteers are consistently busy every day of the year, responding to a call for help every 10 seconds.
Instead, Samaritans is turning the day on its head and into something meaningful by running ‘Brew Monday’, which encourages friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch-up.
Connect over a cuppa
To help celebrate and raise awareness of Brew Monday, our staff will join Samaritans volunteers at railway stations on Monday January 16, handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa.
The support forms part of the rail industry’s suicide prevention programme and partnership with Network Rail.
Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry and British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway for over 10 years, having trained over 26,000 rail and BTP staff to look out for passengers and make conversation if they feel someone might be vulnerable.
Never alone
Shona Gibbs, Acting head of rail at Samaritans, said: “We’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday again this year. At Samaritans we know there is no such thing as Blue Monday and people can feel low at any point of the week or year.
“We want everyone to know that you are never alone and encouraging them to check in with people they care about for a cuppa and a chat as talking can save lives. Our volunteers are available around the clock to listen to anyone who needs support this Brew Monday and every other day of the year, 24/7.”
To help organise Brew Monday get togethers, Samaritans has provided useful resources, fundraising tips, and information.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.