Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign encourages people to stay connected

The third Monday in January is traditionally known as Blue Monday but Samaritans turns that day on its head with its annual Brew Monday campaign.

The Worthing charity, an independent branch affiliated to the national charity, is encouraging people to stay positive and show they care by listening to friends, family members or colleagues over a virtual cuppa.

Anne Copeland, Worthing Samaritans director, said: “It has been a winter like no other. The challenges that many people face during this season have been felt more acutely this year with the pandemic.

“There couldn’t be a better time to reach out for a chat with someone you care about. It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, it’s just about taking time to really listen to another person which can in turn help them work through what’s on their mind.”

Many people find winter hard as they struggle to deal with the darker days and cold weather.

Samaritans’ new research, carried out through more than 1,400 of the charity’s volunteers, found the start of the cold days and long nights had heightened feelings of isolation and loneliness for those already experiencing loneliness due to the pandemic restrictions.

Worthing Samaritans will kick off Brew Monday on January 18, turning what is known to be the most difficult day of the year into something positive.

Join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday and you can make a donation via the Worthing Samaritans link at www.samaritans.org

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