Brewing up for charity

The Hamilton branch of Samaritans is encouraging locals to beat ‘Blue Monday’ by organising ‘Brew Monday’.

They are inviting everyone along to their base in the town for a cuppa and a cake on Monday, January 21.

Dubbed the most difficult day of the year, the charity are turning the third Monday of January on its head.

Volunteers are hoping to banish the January blues by encouraging anyone who wants to chat, or even find out more about the work of the Hamilton branch, to pop in for a visit.

That’s why Samaritans have created the concept of Brew Monday – a campaign which is dedicated to preventing suicide and improving the nation’s mental health.

This year it falls on January 21 and the team at Hamilton branch are hoping that it will be a day to open up about mental problems and take time to chat to family and friends, or simply just listen.

Get along to the Brew Monday event between 11am and 3pm, at 4 Selkirk Place in Hamilton.

The branch currently has 50 volunteers answering some of the five million calls for help that Samaritans respond to every year from people going through a difficult time.

Volunteers from the branch also provide support to Listeners at Shotts Prison.

Over the last 64 years, volunteers have helped save countless lives, but as demand for their services grows, they need your support now more than ever.

A spokesperson from the branch in Hamilton said: “Isolation and loneliness are one of the main reasons people contact Samaritans, so getting together for a brew and a chat can provide a lift on what is meant to be one of the most difficult days of the year.

“There is no need to RSVP, just come to the branch and enjoy tea and cake.”

A survey conducted by Samaritans revealed that:

■ Eight out of 10 people believe that getting together over a cup of tea for a chat makes them feel better;

■ The vast majority of people aged 18-24 (70 per cent) said they would like more time to sit and chat;

■ And 80 per cent of students in full-time education believe people should talk over a drink more often during the day.

If you want to turn Brew Monday into a fundraising event, you can contact the Samaritans via the website at www.samaritans.org.

The Samaritans are available round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling from any phone on 116 123. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call on the phone. This number is free to call.

And go to Samaritans.org/ volunteering if you would like to know more about volunteering with the team at the branch in Hamilton.