SUICIDE prevention charity Samaritans will be at Newton Abbot railway station on Monday for its Brew Monday campaign. 

The South Devon Samaritans are joining forces with Network Rail and Great Western Railway staff on so-called Blue Monday to supply cups of hot drinks and a chat. 

The Samaritans say while people are contending with winter weather, the post-Christmas slump, and the cost-of-living pressures they are keen to reinforce that there’s no such thing as the saddest day of the year, aka ‘Blue Monday’.

The suicide prevention charity has long campaigned to dispel the Blue Monday myth as it could discourage people from seeking life-changing help.

Instead, South Devon Samaritans is turning the day into something positive by running Brew Monday, encouraging friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch-up.

To help celebrate and raise awareness of Brew Monday, South Devon Samaritans are joining forces with local rail industry partners to host an event at Newton Abbot railway station on January 15 from 7am. 

Volunteers and rail staff will be handing out tea bags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting.

South Devon Samaritans Branch Director, Dean Sanders, said: ‘At Samaritans, we’re consistently busy responding to a call for help every 10 seconds, every hour of every day of the year. We know that people find life difficult at all times of the year, not just one day in January. 

‘And when they do, it’s important that they reach out for support.

‘Blue Monday sounds very negative, instead we’re celebrating Brew Monday and encouraging friends and family to check in with one another over a cuppa. Even small moments of human connection like this can play a big role in helping people who are currently struggling.

‘The last time that we held the Brew Monday event at Newton Abbot station, it was a huge success, we were just coming out of COVID lockdowns, so it was great to be out and meeting people again. 

‘We made well over 500 contacts with people that day, ranging from a simple “hello” with an information flyer handed over, to some more meaningful conversations. 

‘So we’re really looking forward to making face-to-face contact with as many people as possible again, spreading the word about what we do and letting people know that reaching out when you’re feeling low is a really positive thing to do.’

People and Transformation Director (Regional) for GWR and Network Rail Wales and Western, Ruth Busby, said: 'We’re really proud to be supporting Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign again this year and spreading this important message to our passengers and staff.

‘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.’

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 [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org