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Friday 13 Jan 2023

Scotland’s Railway helps Samaritans bust ‘Blue Monday’ myth

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail 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 Scotland’s Railway is 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 worse than any other, as its listening volunteers are 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.

To help celebrate and raise awareness of Brew Monday, Scotland’s Railway staff will be joining Samaritans volunteers at both Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley stations on Monday 16 January between 8am and 2pm. They’ll be handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa.

Liam Sumpter, Route Director of Scotland’s Railway said: “We’re really proud to be supporting Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign again this year and spreading this important message to our passengers and staff. 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 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.”

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.”

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 (BTP) 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.

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