There’s always time for a cuppa and catch-up

Transport for Wales joins the Samaritans to encourage customers, staff, and the wider community to come together over a hot drink on Brew Monday.

The third Monday in January (15th) is sometimes referred to as the most difficult day of the year, commonly known as ‘Blue Monday’ and as a result, we’re turning the day into something positive by supporting Samaritans ‘Brew Monday’ campaign.

Samaritans has long campaigned to dispel the idea the third Monday of January being particularly difficult, as it could discourage people from seeking life-changing help. The suicide prevention charity’s listening volunteers are consistently 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.

To help celebrate and raise awareness of Brew Monday, Transport for Wales staff will be joining Samaritans volunteers at stations across our network handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa.

Chris Williams, the Operational Resilience Manager at Transport for Wales said:

“We’re proud to be supporting Samaritans ‘Brew Monday’ once again this year and committed to sharing this critical message among our passengers and staff.

Samaritans have worked in partnership with the 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.

We’re putting that into practice by turning Blue Monday into Brew Monday by connecting with each other, and supporting the charity’s vital work.”

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.

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.

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