Thameslink is working with suicide prevention charity Samaritans to run a ‘Brew Monday' train and offer volunteer support.
‘Blue Monday' is usually the third Monday in January each year, which is commonly believed to be the most difficult day of the year for people's mental health. UK company Sky travel coined the name in 2005, and the date takes into account factors such as inclement weather, work stress and the aftermath of Christmas.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Samaritans volunteers will try to reduce the effects of ‘Blue Monday' on 15 January by renaming it ‘Brew Monday', and giving out teabags, biscuits and leaflets to Thameslink passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line.
The 09:26 Peterborough-to-London-and-return service – the Brew Train – will carry volunteers from GTR and Samaritans, and representatives of the British Transport Police (BTP), Stevenage Football Club Academy and suicide prevention charities, Andy's Man Club and The Jordan Legacy.
Andy's Man Club works to overcome the stigma about men's mental health by providing space for men to talk, and The Jordan Legacy promotes mental wellbeing, in memory of Jordan Phillip, who died by suicide in 2019.
The aim of Brew Monday is to facilitate people to talk over a cup of tea, and to give them information about where they can get support if they are struggling at this time of year.
People will also have the chance to talk with Samaritans volunteers at these stations:
- Luton, Welwyn Garden City, East Croydon and Three Bridges, Monday 15 January
- Hitchin, Tuesday 16 January
- St Neots, Friday 19 January
Samaritans volunteers will also visit the southern part of GTR's network as part of its Brew Monday outreach, including East Croydon and Three Bridges.
Rail companies have been running ‘Brew Monday' events for several years now, with examples including Arriva Trains Wales in 2018, Northern in 2021, and ScotRail last year.
GTR's Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager, Laura Campbell, said: “Together with the Samaritans, we want to bust the ‘Blue Monday' myth and instead use the day as a time to connect with our passengers and start positive conversations. January can be a tough month for many with Christmas and New Year celebrations behind us, but it doesn't have to be a miserable time if we get together and support each other.
“As well as promoting our Brew Train, I'll be encouraging our own staff to get involved in Brew Monday by hosting an internal drop-in session on 15 January so that together, we can turn this date into something fun.”
Head of Samaritans Rail Programme, Olivia Cayley, added: “We're so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday again this year. 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.
“Our volunteers are available around the clock to listen to anyone who needs support this Brew Monday and every other day of the year, 24/7.”
