Brew Monday was created as a positive alternative to so-called “Blue Monday”, focusing on the power of small moments of connection and conversation to help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. It encourages people to reach out, listen, and remind one another that support is available.
As part of this year’s initiative, volunteers were out in force at Skipton and Burnley Manchester Road train stations during the early morning of January 19.
Commuters and members of the public were offered biscuit and brew packs, each containing a tea bag or coffee sachet, a biscuit, and information on how to contact Samaritans.
Samaritans is a charity dedicated to listening and providing emotional support to anyone who is struggling. Their trained volunteers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering a confidential listening service for people experiencing distress or despair, no matter the cause.
In addition to supporting commuters, volunteers delivered mental health information and pens to Network Rail staff, recognising the vital role frontline transport workers play and ensuring they too had access to supportive resources.
In total, all packs were successfully distributed, including:
- 350 packs at Skipton locations, including the train station, Sandylands, and local veterinary practices
- 250 packs at Burnley Manchester Road train station
- 50 packs delivered to Transdev
Volunteers at each location helped to safely distribute the packs and provided a friendly, approachable presence for anyone who wanted to pause for a brief conversation.
Alan, on behalf of the local branch of Samaritans, said: “Brew Monday is about encouraging people to take a moment to connect. A warm drink and a short chat can make a real difference, especially during the colder, darker months, and it’s a reminder that support is always there for anyone who needs it. I spoke with several commuters at Burnley Manchester Road station and had some meaningful conversations. It’s those connections where people open up and talk about what is going on in their lives that gives meaning and purpose to being a Samaritan listening volunteer”
Organisers would like to thank all volunteers and partner organisations for their support in making the event a success and for helping to promote mental wellbeing across the local community.
Contact Samaritans any time day or night on Freephone 116 123.