'Brew Monday' encourages people to talk about mental health at South West railway stations

Great Western Railway has joined forces with Samaritans to encourage people to share a cuppa and catch-up with someone they care about for 'Brew Monday'.

Volunteers are at stations across the South West, handing out teabags and talking to passengers about the importance of reaching out for a chat.

While the third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’, Samaritans is highlighting that there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ as people can feel a range of emotions any day of the year.

Colleagues at stations, depots and offices across the GWR network will also be sharing the warmth of a conversation thanks to a special ‘Coffee Brewlette’.

The train operator already hosts a successful ‘Coffee Roulette’ each month, where colleagues from different parts of the business are picked at random and matched up for a cuppa and a chat.

The initiative was launched four years ago and also involves colleagues from GWR’s alliance partners Network Rail, and stakeholders including members of the GWR Advisory Board.

More than 100 staff have signed up for ‘Coffee Brewlette' and GWR Human Resources director Ruth Busby said it was a great way to meet different people and connect.

Ruth said: “I’ve been taking part in Coffee Roulette ever since I joined the business four years ago. In these uncertain times it’s more important than ever that we reach out to one another and lend a listening ear.

“It’s why we’re so pleased to be supporting Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign again this year and spreading this important message to our customers.

“We’re encouraging people to recognise the power of human connection and start a conversation which could save a life. This Brew Monday we’re saying out with the blue and in with the brew!”

Head of route human resources for Network Rail’s Western route, Kerry Elton, said: “We know that this time of year can be difficult for many, especially as we enter a new phase of the pandemic.

“Talking to others can really help, which is why we’re pleased to be supporting Brew Monday. Something as simple as sharing a cup of tea and a chat can make a real difference to someone who may be struggling, so I’d encourage everyone to take five minutes and have a chat with a friend, colleague or family member to help banish the winter blues.”

Although winter is thought to be one of the harder seasons with dark days and frosty nights, Samaritans volunteers hear similar concerns all year round from those who contact the charity. The main concerns include mental health and illness (46%), family (34%) and loneliness (28%)*.

Samaritans’ CEO Julie Bentley said: “We’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday again this year. Throughout the various lockdowns and restrictions, the pandemic has shown us that staying connected with others has been a vital part of getting people through difficult times.

“We know the impact talking and listening can have, and a cup of tea and a chat won’t solve everything, but it can be a start. You don’t have to have all the answers or solutions, you just need to listen and start a conversation which could just be the support that someone needs.”

Samaritans volunteers were at Newton Abbot Station last Monday, where The Lions Barber Collective hosted a special pop-up barbershop encouraging people to get a free haircut and discuss their mental health at the same time.

Today (17th January) Samaritans volunteers will be on hand at Bath Spa, Cheltenham Spa, Exeter Central, Exeter St Davids, Gloucester, Kemble, Plymouth, Swindon, Taunton and Truro stations, handing out tea bags and engaging in a chat with customers.

The charity has also worked with artists with their own mental health challenges to create inspiring artwork to be featured on digital screens at stations. This includes work by contemporary wellbeing artist Emelie Hryhoruk, who has a studio near Bath.

Find out more at samaritans.org/brewmonday or join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday.

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• Blue Monday
• mental health
• Samaritans
• gwr
• south west england