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Monday 15 Jan 2024

Network Rail joins forces with Samaritans in York to bust ‘Blue Monday’ myth once and for all

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Coast

Network Rail colleagues have joined forces with Samaritans in York and in stations across the East Coast Main Line to support the charity’s ‘Brew Monday’ initiative.

While people are contending with winter weather, the post-Christmas slump, and the cost-of-living pressures, Network Rail is keen to reiterate there’s no such thing as the saddest day of the year, also known as ‘Blue Monday’.

Samaritans has long campaigned to dispel the idea the third Monday of January is particularly difficult, as it could discourage people from seeking life-changing help.

Instead, Network Rail and the wider industry have partnered with the charity to turn the day into something useful by running ‘Brew Monday’, with the annual event encouraging friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up.

Network Rail colleagues have been with Samaritans volunteers at York station on the East Coast Main Line today handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa, as well as reminding passengers about the support available if they’re struggling with their mental health.

Volunteers have also been at other stations across the East Coast Main Line including Newcastle, Darlington, Grantham, Welwyn, and more. Volunteers from Ashington and Berwick also hopped onto train services, talking to passengers as they travelled.

Ivy Yeung, Area Customer Services and Performance Manager at Network Rail, said: “We’re really proud to be supporting Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign again this year and spreading this important message to our passengers and colleagues.

“Network Rail and the wider rail industry has worked in partnership with Samaritans since 2010 encouraging the public and our colleagues to recognise the power of human connection and start a conversation which could save a life.

“So, we’re putting that into practice and helping to bust the Blue Monday myth over a brew.”

Olivia Cayley, Head of Samaritans Rail Programme, said: “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.

“Perpetuating ‘Blue Monday’ may put off reaching for life-changing help if they think everyone else is also feeling down or minimise the challenging issues they’re facing.

“We want everyone to know that you are never alone and even small moments of human connection like this can play a big role in helping people who are currently struggling.”

“We’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday again this year.”

The Brew Monday support 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 over 10 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.

To help organise Brew Monday get togethers, Samaritans have provided useful resources, fundraising tips, and information, available at www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/

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