Media centre

Monday 19 Jan 2026

Network Rail and Great Western Railway team up with Samaritans to blow away the blues with Brew Monday

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Network Rail and Great Western Railway have united with Samaritans to encourage people to pause, pour and support this Brew Monday.

Colleagues and volunteers were out in force at stations across the GWR network to hand out Brew Monday tea bags, inviting people to reach out for a chat and raise awareness of the support available to those having a difficult time.

The third Monday of January has often been dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, and Samaritans has long campaigned to eradicate the myth that the day is particularly difficult, as it could discourage people from seeking life-changing help.

The suicide prevention charity pivoted the Monday moniker to ‘Brew Monday’, encouraging friends and family to stay connected with a cuppa and a catch-up.

Samaritans’ listening volunteers are busy throughout the year, with a call for help coming through every 10 seconds. The charity has turned the day into something useful and valuable by working with the railway to create moments of connection for people passing through stations.

Network Rail's Western route managing director, Marcus Jones, said: “We know that this time of year can be difficult for many. Talking to others can really help, which is why we’re pleased to be supporting Brew Monday. Something as simple as sharing a cup of tea and a chat can make a real difference to someone who may be struggling, so I’d encourage everyone to take five minutes and have a chat with a friend, colleague or family member to help banish the winter blues.

“Samaritans has worked in partnership with Network Rail and the wider rail industry since 2010, encouraging the public and our staff to recognise the power of human connection and the importance of even the simplest conversation.”

Ricky Miles, regional development lead at Samaritans, said: “This Brew Monday we’re encouraging everyone to put the kettle on and remember how important a bit of human connection is and what a difference it can make to people’s wellbeing. And we’re so grateful to the rail industry for supporting our campaign and helping us to spread this message.

“Our 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’s no such thing as the ‘worst day of the year’. It’s vital that we all take the time to check in on each other every day.

“So, let’s pop on those kettles, break out those bourbons, and turn small talk into big talk. It might just save someone’s life.”

GWR customer services director, Rachel Geliamassi, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Samaritans again for Brew Monday, sharing the important message with our customers and colleagues that the smallest interaction can make the world of difference to someone.

“Our partnership with Samaritans and Network Rail has given both the public and our colleagues the encouragement to recognise the power of human connection, how easy it is, and how it could save a life.”

The Brew Monday campaign comes as 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 more than 15 years and has trained over 28,000 rail and BTP staff to look out for passengers and make conversation if they feel someone might be vulnerable.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time, from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org