Samaritans offering conversation and a cuppa on Merseyrail loop line
Brew Monday is the charity’s response to the traditional Blue Monday, a Monday in late January thought to be the most miserable day of the year for many people. Tony McDonough reports
Volunteers from the Samaritans will be on Merseyrail’s Wirral loop line on Monday (January 20) offering passengers a brew and a friendly conversation.
Brew Monday is the charity’s response to the traditional Blue Monday, a Monday in late January thought to be the most miserable day of the year for many people. The idea of Brew Monday is to encourages friends, family and work colleagues to have a chat over a cuppa.
Between 12 noon and 2pm on Monday the volunteers, from the Liverpool Clarence Street branch of the Samaritans, will be on the loop line handing out free PG Tips teabags and offering a listening ear to anyone who would like to talk.
They will be led by Rachel Howley, the development manager at the branch, which has more than 140 volunteers helping to answer some of the millions of calls for help the charity responds to each year.
“We will be handing out free PG Tips tea bags, which is a great way of starting a conversation with somebody,” said Rachel, who was also part of the team which reached out to commuters on board the Liverpool to London service last year.
“For some people it’s just nice to have a friendly little chat. For others, it’s an opportunity for them to talk about what is bothering them, and last year we saw some people become quite emotional when they were given the chance to open up about how they were feeling.
“You never know what somebody might be going through and we want to make sure people are aware we are there for them if they are struggling. We know how much talking can help.”
Rachel and her team will be on board the trains travelling between Lime Street, Liverpool Central, James Street and Moorfields stations from midday until 2pm.
To get involved in Brew Monday and sign up for a free fundraising pack, click here. You can also join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday. The Samaritans helpline number is 116 123. It is free to call, even from a mobile. You can also email jo@samaritans.org.