Network Rail joins Samaritans to bust ‘Blue Monday’ myth: Brew Monday - Photo credit Chris O’Donovan Photography Samaritans cropped

Monday 20 Jan 2025

Network Rail joins Samaritans to bust ‘Blue Monday’ myth

Region & Route:
National

Network Rail is getting behind Samaritans to encourage the public and staff to take time out for a cuppa and a catch-up, as part of the charity’s annual Brew Monday campaign.

While the third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’, Samaritans is dispelling the ‘Blue Monday’ myth. The suicide prevention charity’s listening volunteers are busy daily, responding to a call for help every 10 seconds. So, to ensure nobody struggles alone on Brew Monday, or any other day, the campaign reminds friends, family and colleagues to look out for one another and stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up.

This year Samaritans volunteers will be at a number of local stations across Britain on Monday 20 January, handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa.

Louise McNally, suicide prevention lead, Network Rail said: “Small moments like catching up over a cuppa can play a big role in helping people who are struggling. That’s why we’re proud to support Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign and share this important message to passengers and staff.”

Olivia Cayley, Head of Rail Programme at Samaritans, said: “On Brew Monday we’re reminding the public that human connection can be life saving and we’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support this year.

“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’. That’s why it’s vital that we all take the time to check in on each other every day. Whether it’s 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’re feeling and really listen so anyone who might be struggling knows they don’t have to face their challenges alone.”

Brew Monday comes as Samaritans enters its fifteenth year working in partnership with the rail industry and British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway. In that period, over 30,000 railway employees and stakeholders have been trained in suicide prevention techniques through Samaritans’ ‘Managing Suicidal Contacts’ course, enabling them to support and identify those who come to the railway in emotional crisis.

For more information on Brew Monday, including tips on organising events and resources, please visit www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • Samaritans encourages the responsible reporting of suicide. Read more about this on their media guidelines page
  • 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 www.samaritans.org
  • Samaritans has worked in partnership with Network Rail and the wider rail industry since 2010, to reduce suicides and support those affected by them. This includes specialist training for rail staff, and partners to raise public awareness about suicide prevention, the signs to look out for to see if someone needs help, and teaches them the best ways to approach vulnerable people and these can range from simply talking to them or calling for further professional assistance

Contact information

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

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Charlie Oven
Senior media relations manager, campaigns
Network Rail
charlie.oven@networkrail.co.uk

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