To dispel the feeling that the third Monday in January is the saddest day of the year, ScotRail is encouraging its staff and the public to have a cuppa and a catch-up to support the Samaritans charity’s annual “Brew Monday” campaign.

The third Monday in January is often known as ‘Blue Monday’, so to counteract winter weather, the post-Christmas slump, and the cost-of-living pressures, ScotRail and Samaritans are keen to show the saddest day of the year should no longer be known as Blue Monday.

Samaritans listening volunteers are busy throughout of the year, and receives a call for help every 10 seconds, so by working with ScotRail it aims to use Brew Monday to turn the day into something useful. Brew Monday is an annual event that encourages friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up.

This year, events will be held with local Samaritans branches at Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central stations on Monday 15 January to hand out teabags and chat to passengers about the benefits of connecting over a cuppa.

Trains between Edinburgh and Dundee will also have volunteers on board who will hop off at stations throughout Fife along the way, to pass the message and encourage travellers to stay connected with friends and family.

Brew tea parties will also be held at Network Rail depots and offices around Scotland where staff will be encouraged to check on their colleagues, friends, and family.

If anyone would like to help organise a Brew Monday get together Samaritans has useful resources, fundraising tips, and information available here.

Samaritans can be contacted, free, at any time from any phone on 116 123, email [email protected], or at samaritans.org.

Liam Sumpter, Network Rail Scotland route director, said:  “We’re proud to be supporting Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign as we enter 2024, spreading this important message to passengers and staff across Scotland’s Railway.

“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.”

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.”

“We’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday again this year.

“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.”