Blue Monday to be Brew Monday

Health bosses in the North East are making major efforts to turn ‘Blue Monday’ into ‘Brew Monday’ – because it will be good for your mental health.

Health groups across the North East are backing a national campaign to get together on Monday – which is traditionally the lowest day of the year for many, with Christmas bills arriving, dark nights and pay day yet to arrive – with loved ones, friends and work colleagues to talk about our problems over a cuppa.

This is the fifth year of the Big Brew campaign, which will be marked, on Monday, January 20, by almost 200 organisations across the United Kingdom holding such events.

The aim is to try and get people talking to each other so those that need help can get it.

John Lawlor, the chief executive of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that talking and asking for help is one of the hardest steps for those that need it for their mental health and well-being, and we’re delighted to be part of the ‘Brew Monday’ campaign.

“We hope that by encouraging our colleagues and partners to get involved that we can play our part in helping to break down the stigma associated with mental illness.”

Organisations, including NHS providers, local authorities, and the voluntary sector, across the region are encouraging their staff to get fully involved in the Big Brew campaign, by either hosting their own events or just taking time for a cuppa with work colleagues and service users.