On Monday 19 January organisations across the rail industry came together to celebrate Brew Monday, Samaritans annual campaign. The day saw rail staff and volunteers handing out teabags to the public and popping on the kettle in offices, sparking meaningful conversations across the country.
Brew Monday, takes place each year and challenges ‘Blue Monday’ as we know that feeling low isn’t just something that happens on Mondays or a random day in January. It follows a recent survey by Samaritans which found one in five people never talk about their feelings (18%) while a further fifth only talk about their feelings once a month (20%).
The suicide prevention charity is centred on the power of human connection, and this campaign encouraged people to come together and have a conversation with someone they are worried about because it could save a life.
On the day, those in the rail industry held both public-facing and internal events, helping to spread Samaritans message: there’s always time for a cuppa and a catch up.
Dave Brown, head of the rail programme at Samaritans, said: “It was great to see so many of our colleagues in rail embracing Brew Monday this year and reminding both staff and the public how good human connection feels, how easy it is, and what a difference it can make to people’s wellbeing. And we’re so grateful to the rail industry for their continued support for Brew Monday, by helping us to turn small talk into big talk, it might just save someone’s life.”
Louise McNally, principal suicide & trespass prevention specialist, said: “Brew Monday highlights the importance of pausing to talk and really listen, whether it’s with colleagues or with the travelling public.
“The railway connects communities across the country every day, and initiatives like this help make checking in on each other a normal part of life. Taking a few minutes for a cup of tea and a conversation can break down barriers, and those simple moments of connection can have a powerful impact.”
Samaritans and Network Rail have worked in partnership since 2015, dedicated to preventing suicide on the railway. Part of the partnership involves training rail staff in suicide prevention and what to do after an incident.
The training courses available include Managing Suicidal Contacts and Trauma Support Training, which is aimed at frontline staff and their managers, and helps participants recognise signs of trauma, respond effectively, and support colleagues through their recovery. You can sign up by emailing: railcompaniestraining@samaritans.org.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org.
Image credit: Samaritans