Tag: Brew Monday

Samaritans Scotland urges people to check in on a friend

Samaritans encouraged people across Scotland to check in on a friend yesterday for its annual Brew Monday campaign, which aims to dispel the myth of ‘Blue Monday’.  

The second last Monday in January is often referred to as ‘Blue Monday’, but at Samaritans Scotland, we know there’s no such thing. Feeling low isn’t something that just happens on a random Monday in January.    

So, we decided it’s out with the blue, and in with the Brew. This Brew Monday, 19th January, Samaritans reminded everyone that having a chat over a cuppa is an easy way to make a big difference to someone who might be struggling.   

The suicide prevention charity is centred on the power of human connection, and its awareness campaign encourages people to come together and have a conversation with someone they are worried about – because it could save a life.  

Volunteers held pop-up events at train stations across the country, reaching out directly to anyone who is worried about someone or may be struggling themselves.  

Volunteers handed out tea bags and chatted to passengers about how a conversation can be lifesaving. 

Matt Hosgood, Regional Development Lead for Scotland, said:  “Samaritans are proud to bring Brew Monday back again this year, with a number of events being held across Scotland. Brew Monday is the perfect excuse to reach out and reconnect with friends and loved ones. 

“With the long winter days soon behind us, it’s important to check in and share a moment of genuine human connection. Talking can really help bring us together and less alone, so this Monday pop on the kettle and let’s turn small talk into big talk to ensure fewer people die by suicide. 

“This year, events at Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central have been sponsored by Network Rail as part of Samaritans Rail Programme, whilst events in Dumfries, Lockerbie, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Perth and Aberdeen have all been supported by ScotRail.” 

Samaritans’ partner, Three UK, sponsored Brew Monday this year as part of their mission to make connections matter.   

The winter months, particularly in Scotland, can be tough for many people. We hope you will join us in sharing our message, as we work towards seeing fewer deaths by suicide in Scotland. 

Let’s remind everyone how good a catch-up with a friend feels, as well as a nice hot drink on a cold wintery day.   

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

LifeCare invites the local community to celebrate one year of Chatty Cafe

Are you looking to get out and about and meet new people?  Then we hope you will join us 11am – 1pm on Monday 13th January at LifeCare’s warm and welcoming community cafe, CafeLife (2 Cheyne Street), as we celebrate the 1st birthday of our Chatty Cafe and help turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday.  

Enjoy coffee, tea, cake and conversation as we bring the community together round our Chatter and Natter Table.  

We’re incredibly proud of all we have achieved this year and hope you can join us to celebrate!

Chatty Cafe is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Samaritans: The Blue Monday Myth

The myth that the third Monday of January is the ‘most depressing day of the year’ seems to pop up every year and we’ve honestly had enough of it. It’s just a completely made up marketing gimmick – there’s no science to back it up!

Our bad days aren’t for the calendar to decide and people can feel low any time of the year, but checking in with our friends and having a proper chat can make a real difference. It’s a small but mighty way we can all look out for each other 💚

Get your cuppas at the ready, and help us kick the myth of ‘Blue Monday’ to the curb where it belongs by joining us for ✨Brew Monday ☕ instead.

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Samaritans: Dispel the myth of Blue Monday – let’s celebrate Brew Monday!

Samaritans Scotland will host an event at Glasgow Central Station today (Monday 16 January) in a bid to dispel the myth of ‘Blue Monday’.

The third Monday of each year is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year and falls on January 16 in 2023.  

To debunk the idea of ‘Blue Monday’, Samaritans runs an annual Brew Monday campaign throughout the UK which emphasises the importance of talking and encourages people to reach out to family and friends and have chat over a cuppa.  

This Brew Monday, Samaritans Scotland has teamed up with Scotland’s Railway to hold an event at Glasgow Central Station. Volunteers and staff will be on hand from 8am to 2pm offering tea, coffee and biscuits to commuters and passers-by.  

AG Barr has kindly donated cans of Irn Bru for the event, meaning visitors can cheers to ‘Bru Monday’ too! There will also be a selection of sweet treats thanks to Lees of Scotland.  

Danielle Rowley, Influencing Manager at Samaritans Scotland, said: “At Samaritans, we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’. We all have our good days and our bad days, these aren’t for the calendar to decide. 

“Our dedicated listening volunteers all over Scotland are consistently busy 24/7, 365 days a year, picking up a call for help every 10 seconds. 

“The simple act of having a chat with someone over a coffee can have a huge impact – it could even save a life. 

“It’s time to stop the myth about this Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew – or Bru!” 

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org.

Join Samaritans for Brew Monday

Brew Monday kicks off on 18 January, the third Monday of the month, which is usually known as ‘Blue Monday.’ We’ll be turning Blue Monday on its head and into something positive by encouraging people to reach out and catch up over a virtual cuppa because now, more than ever, it’s important we stay connected.

Reach out to a friend, colleague, or family member for a cuppa and a chat. It doesn’t have to be on a Monday or a cup of tea, just taking time to really listen to another person could help them work through what’s on their mind. ​

PS: Don’t forget to join us on Twitter and Instagram on the 18th. Our plans are top-secret for now, but we’ll be joined by some special celebri-tea guests and sharing tips to make your virtual gathering brew-lliant!

Have a virtual Brew Monday