Great Western Railway and Network Rail encouraged customers and colleagues to take time out for a cuppa at Truro and Penance railways stations at the start of this week as they partnered Samaritans for its annual Brew Monday campaign. 

Samaritans has long campaigned to dispel the idea that the third Monday of January is particularly difficult, as it could discourage people from seeking life-changing help. 

The suicide prevention charity’s listening volunteers are consistently busy every day of the year, responding to a call for help every 10 seconds, which is why it was again working with the rail industry to turn the day into something useful by running Brew Monday.

The annual event encourages friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch up, and this year was no different.

GWR staff joined Samaritans volunteers at two of Cornwall’s busiest stations handing out teabags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa.

Ruth Busby, people and transformation director (regional) for GWR and Network Rail Wales and Western, said: “We were really proud to support Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign again this year and to spread this important message to our passengers and staff.

“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.”

Head of Samaritans Rail Programme Olivia Cayley added: “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.

“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.”

The Brew Monday support comes as part of the rail industry’s suicide prevention programme and partnership with Network Rail.