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Thursday 11 Jan 2024

Scotland’s Railway joins forces with Samaritans to bust ‘Blue Monday’ myth once and for all

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Rail industry in Scotland joins charity to encourage staff and public to have a cuppa and a catch-up instead for the charity’s annual Brew Monday campaign

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

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

The suicide prevention charity’s listening volunteers are busy every day of the year, responding to a call for help every 10 seconds, which is why it is working with the rail industry to turn the day into something useful by running Brew Monday.

The annual event encourages friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up, and this year is no different.

Railway staff at Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central stations will host events on Monday 15 January with their local Samaritans branch, handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa. Volunteers will also travel on trains between Edinburgh and Dundee, hopping off at locations throughout Fife along the way, to raise awareness and encourage travellers to stay connected with friends and family.

Network Rail will also host Brew tea parties at depots and offices around Scotland, encouraging staff to check in on their colleagues, friends and family this winter.

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said:  “We’re proud to be supporting Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign as we enter 2024, spreading this important message to passengers and staff across Scotland’s Railway.

“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.”

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.

“It could also lead people to think they ought to be feeling sad, or believe other people are in worse situations. We do not want anyone to dismiss 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.

“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 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

For more information, please contact Katie May Tracy, communications officer, k.tracy@samaritans.org