Catch-up for a cuppa with the people you care about: Great Western Railway, Network Rail and Samaritans join forces for Brew Monday

0
213

Great Western Railway and Network Rail joined forces with Samaritans to encourage customers and colleagues to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up this Brew Monday.

To ‘tea-up’ a picture or two and catch the attention of passers-by, GWR carried a giant 6.5ft teacup across its network, stopping off at key locations to have a chat and raise awareness of this vitally important issue.

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 is again working with the rail industry to turn the day into something useful by running Brew Monday on 20 January.

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

You’ll know that something was brewing when GWR and Network Rail staff join Samaritans inside a giant cup to help celebrate and raise awareness. The cup was taken across the GWR network, stopping off at key locations in support of Brew Monday.

  • Bristol Temple Meads (from 0730 to 0800)
  • Bath Spa (from 0815 to 0840)
  • Swindon (from 0910 to 0940)
  • Reading (from 1010 to 1045)
  • London Paddington (from 1110 to 1145)

Samaritans’ volunteers were also on hand to chat to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa at a number of other GWR managed stations, including:

  • Gloucester
  • Cheltenham
  • Exeter Central
  • Exeter St Davids
  • Dawlish
  • Exmouth
  • Tiverton Parkway
  • Newton Abbott

GWR HR Director Ashley Bray said:

“We’re really proud to support Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign again this year and spread this important message to our passengers and staff. We’re trying to make it as visible as we possibly can.

“Samaritans has worked in partnership with Network Rail and the wider rail industry for 15 years to encourage the public and our staff to recognise the power of human connection – and ultimately start a conversation which could save a life.”

Head of Samaritans’ Rail Programme, Olivia Cayley, said:

“There’s no right or wrong way to check in on those you care about – it doesn’t matter if it’s over the phone, in person, with tea or without – the important thing is to check in and connect with those you care about. We know first-hand what a difference those moments of human connection can make to those who are struggling.”

Marcus Jones, Network Rail Western Route director said:

“We’re pleased to support Samaritans’ Brew Monday – turning the idea of ‘Blue Monday’ on its head and encouraging everyone to reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.

“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.”

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

Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry and British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway for 15 years and has trained over 28,000 rail and BTP staff to look out for passengers and make conversation if they feel someone might be vulnerable.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org


Help keep news FREE for our readers

Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle