Rail staff from Network Rail, British Transport Police and Arriva Trains Wales are backing Samaritans’ bid to turn ‘Blue Monday’ into ‘Brew Monday’ this coming Monday, 15th January.

Blue Monday has been dubbed the most difficult day of the year.

Rail staff, along with the Samaritans, will be out in force at Aberystwyth, Rhyl, Wrexham, Bridgend, Shrewsbury and Swansea stations. Their aim? To encourage people to connect over a cuppa by offer free tea bags and listening tips, as well as promoting Samaritans.

Samaritans are aiming to reduce suicide on the railways.

What did the officials say?

Joanna Emerson, regional director for Samaritans in Wales and the Marches said “We’re thrilled to be taking part in Brew Monday. We want to highlight the value of people taking time to chat, rather than going it alone with their thoughts. You don’t need special skills to encourage someone to open up over a cuppa. And, for anyone who feels they have nowhere to turn, our volunteers are there. It’s free to call us from any phone or you can email us or talk to someone face to face at your local branch of Samaritans.”

Tom Joyner, managing director of Arriva Trains Wales, said: “Brew Monday is a brilliant idea and we’re really pleased to support the initiative across our network. Taking five minutes to have a cuppa and to talk over any problems you may have is so important. And thanks to the brilliant and dedicated members of the Samaritans there is always someone out there willing to listen. Unfortunately, the railway does see tragedy far too frequently and we know the impact it can have on all those involved. That’s why we are committed to working hard as an industry with Network Rail, the BTP, the Samaritans and the Railway Mission to help people feel they can have a second, third or fourth chance.”

Follow the Samaritans on twitter: @samaritans

• Visit the Arriva Trains Wales Website
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