Cup of cheer to soothe away Monday blues
THE third Monday in January is typically known as Blue Monday - the most difficult day of the year - as excitement over Christmas fades and reality sets back in.
The day is known for having a high rate of suicides.
A group hoped to change Blue Monday into Brew Monday, by encouraging people in Rochdale to come in for a cuppa and beat the winter blues.
Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans are turning the blues into brews, by encouraging friends, family and workmates to have a chat over a brew with someone who may be feeling lonely and raise funds for Samaritans.
The UK’s much-loved tea brand PG Tips, is pledging its support to Brew Monday by asking the nation to come together and share a cuppa with someone who may be lonely.
Samaritans volunteers provided free PG Tips teabags to commuters passing through train stations across the country on Monday. Samaritans volunteers from the Rochdale branch were at Rochdale Station from 7am to 9am, chatting to commuters and handing out free PG Tips tea bags so they could enjoy a brew with someone.
Located on Caton Street in Rochdale, the Rochdale, Oldham and District branch of Samaritans currently has around 50 volunteers helping to answer some of the millions of calls for help that Samaritans responds to every year from people going through a difficult time.
The branch also provides support at Buckley Hall Prison in Rochdale.
The Branch Director, Moyra Purves, said, “During the cold and grey winter months, connecting with others over a cuppa can help weather the ups and downs of life.
“Anyone can hold a Brew Monday event at work, at home, wherever and whenever you like – all you need is a kettle and some mugs, and this could make a huge difference in someone’s life.”
Ian Stevens, Network Rail’s Suicide Prevention Program Manager said: “Brew Monday is a great opportunity for the rail industry to show its support for Samaritans and the fantastic work they do in helping people up and down the country. Millions of people use the rail network every day and if through this campaign we can encourage them to talk about their problems over a cup of tea.
“We will have made a significant contribution to their lives and to the lives of those around them.”
To sign up to a free Brew Monday fundraising pack to make your party tea-riffic, visit: www.samaritans. org/support-us/campaign/ brew-monday