ScotRail and a suicide prevention charity is fighting against the idea of ‘Blue Monday’ through a campaign called Brew Monday.

ScotRail and Samaritans want to turn the third Monday of January - known as the saddest day of the year - into something useful by running an annual event that encourages staff, friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up.

The campaign is also part of the rail industry’s suicide prevention programme and partnership with Network Rail.

Louise McKee, ScotRail wellbeing advisor, said: "ScotRail is 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."

Samaritans has campaigned against the idea that the third Monday of January is especially challenging, fearing it might discourage individuals from reaching out for vital help.

 

Their listening volunteers are consistently occupied every day, fielding a distress call every ten seconds.

This assistance is more prominent than ever during January, a month known for low spirits, hence the partnership with ScotRail to advocate for Brew Monday.

ScotRail’s Mental Health First Aiders will be operating 'conversation cafe's across their network to encourage staff to check in on their colleagues, friends and family this winter, and spread the Brew Monday message to passengers.

For more than a decade, Samaritans has worked with the rail industry to reduce suicides on the UK's railways.

More than 28,000 rail and British Transport Police staff have undergone training to engage passengers thought to be vulnerable.

Olivia Cayley, head of Samaritans Rail Programme, said: "At Samaritans we know there is no such thing as Blue Monday and people can feel low at any point of the week or year.

“Perpetuating ‘Blue Monday’ may put off reaching for life-changing help if they think everyone else is also feeling down. It could also lead people to think they ought to be feeling sad, or believe other people are in worse situations.

"We do not want anyone to dismiss or minimise the challenging issues they’re facing. We want everyone to know that you are never alone and even small moments of human connection like this can play a big role in helping people who are currently struggling.”

Ms Cayley said Samaritans volunteers are always ready to offer support, 24/7.

To contact them, phone on 116 123, or jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org.