Organisations across the rail industry came together to celebrate Brew Monday, Samaritans annual campaign.
Brew Monday is Samaritans’ annual alternative to Blue Monday.
It follows a recent survey by Samaritans which found one in five people never talk about their feelings (18%) while a further fifth only talk about their feelings once a month (20%).
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Rail staff and volunteers spent the day handing out teabags to the public to encourage people to have a cuppa and a catch-up with someone who might need it.
Samaritans colleagues hosted both public-facing and internal events, including at St Pancras, Leeds, Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central, Liverpool Lime Street and Reading stations.
Dave Brown, head of the rail programme at Samaritans, said: “It was great to see so many of our colleagues in rail embracing Brew Monday this year and reminding both staff and the public how good human connection feels, how easy it is, and what a difference it can make to people’s wellbeing. And we’re so grateful to the rail industry for their continued support for Brew Monday, by helping us to turn small talk into big talk, it might just save someone’s life.”
Louise McNally, principal suicide & trespass prevention specialist, said: “Brew Monday highlights the importance of pausing to talk and really listen, whether it’s with colleagues or with the travelling public.
“The railway connects communities across the country every day, and initiatives like this help make checking in on each other a normal part of life. Taking a few minutes for a cup of tea and a conversation can break down barriers, and those simple moments of connection can have a powerful impact.”
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org
