Author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy shares a special illustration in support of Samaritans' 'Brew Monday': Brew Monday illustration © Charlie Mackesy

Monday 18 Jan 2021

Author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy shares a special illustration in support of Samaritans' 'Brew Monday'

Region & Route:
Eastern: Anglia

Network Rail's Anglia region is participating in ‘Brew Monday’ today (Monday January 18) to help passengers and staff make contact, reach out to each other and focus on mental wellbeing on what is thought to be the most difficult day of the year.

The Samaritans organised event is being held on what is known as ‘Blue Monday’. The term ‘Blue Monday’ refers to the third Monday in January. The Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign, supported by Network Rail and the wider rail industry, aims to raise spirits by harnessing the uplifting power of a good brew and a chat.

In the past, Samaritans volunteers and rail industry staff have talked to passengers in stations but the current pandemic restrictions mean that isn’t possible this year. Instead, in a bid to beat the winter blues and after a challenging year for all, author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy has created a special illustration to show his support and encourage passengers and staff to reach out to someone they care about and connect over a virtual cuppa this winter.

It comes as new online research from Samaritans has found that over half (58%) of UK adults, felt that speaking regularly to friends and family either on the phone, via video calls or in person over the last year had a positive effect on their mental wellbeing. Among these, helping people keep in contact with loved ones, feeling less isolated and improving their mood were all highlighted as common reasons for keeping in touch.

To help ensure less people struggle alone, Samaritans is kicking off Brew Monday today. Turning ‘Blue Monday’ on its head and into something positive, Charlie Mackesy has shared an uplifting illustration from his international bestselling book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, whose drawings and words of hope have brought comfort to many this year. Charlie has penned a new message for Brew Monday within the illustration, as the Mole asks a slice of cake, “can I share you with a friend?”.

Whilst the current pandemic restrictions mean that Samaritans volunteers can’t be at stations talking to passengers about the importance of staying connected this Brew Monday, the illustration will be displayed across Network Rail stations’ digital screens, highlighting the power of human connection to inspire passengers instead.  

Network Rail staff will also be holding virtual Brew events to check in on their colleagues, friends and family members that they can’t be with, to stay connected this winter.

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail's route director for Anglia, said: “It's always important, whatever day of the year, to take care of ourselves and check in on others, but even more so now after the difficult year we've just had. I want to encourage everyone to take time out to check in on others, whether its virtually with friends, family or colleagues or in person with the people you live with, we can talk, listen and support each other's mental wellbeing."

Julie Bentley, Samaritans’ CEO, said: “We’re so grateful to Network Rail and the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday this year. The challenges that many people face during this season have been felt even more acutely this year with the pandemic restrictions. At Samaritans, we know how powerful talking and listening, even if it is virtually, can be. It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, it’s about taking the time to really listen and supporting one another, which could potentially save a life.”

The Brew Monday support comes as part of the rail industry’s suicide prevention programme. Samaritans has worked in partnership with Network Rail, on behalf of the rail industry, to reduce suicides on the railway for over 10 years, having trained over 22,000 rail and BTP staff to look out for passengers and make conversation if they feel someone might be vulnerable.

Find out more at samaritans.org/brewmonday or join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday and why not make a donation while you’re there, you could help save a life.  Charlie’s illustration is also available to buy as a pin badge from Samaritans’ online shop.

 

Notes to Editors

For further information, please contact Samaritans media manager, Amy Shacklady on 07983500137 or a.shacklady@samaritans.org or Network Rail media manager, Charlie Oven on 07849572661 or Charlie.oven@networkrail.co.uk

 

Notes to editors  

  • Find out more about Brew Monday here 
  • Research was carried out by YouGov from 27-30 November 2020 and included 2,075 UK adults. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)
  • Over half (58%) said that connecting with others in person or on the phone / video calls, has had a positive effect on their mental health and wellbeing since the start of lockdown in March
  • Of those that said connecting with others has had a positive effect on their mental health, the top reasons for this include helping people to keep in touch with family and friends (79%), feeling less isolated (59%) and improving their mood (54%)
  • 81% said that feeling connected to other people (i.e. to know that someone is there who cares for your wellbeing) since the pandemic restrictions began was important
  • Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org  
  • Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry and the British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway for over 10 years. This includes training rail staff to look out for people who might need help and start a conversation, offering their support and getting them to safety. To date, over 22,000 rail staff and BTP officers have been trained in suicide prevention
  • Every seven seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help 
  • Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support usor volunteer with us  
  • You can follow Samaritans on social media on TwitterFacebookand Instagram

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - Katie Mack
Media relations manager (Anglia route)
0330 8577 132
Katie.Mack@networkrail.co.uk

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