Bognor Regis

Brew Monday - Banishing the Blues

It’s been said that Monday 17th January is the most miserable day of the year but Bognor & Chichester Samaritans were determined to liven it up by suggesting that everyone takes time out to have a chat with someone, who might need it, over a cuppa.

The third Monday in January is dubbed the most depressing day in the calendar: Apparently, we’re all cold, broke and struggling to meet New Year’s resolutions.

The Samaritans, however, have renamed so called ‘Blue Monday’ as ‘Brew Monday’, using it as an opportunity to raise awareness of the needs of people who may be struggling with depression, loneliness or mental health issues. Having a friendly chat over a cup of tea to talk through difficulties can make a huge difference to the way people feel.

Working in conjunction with Network Rail, volunteers from the Branch staffed the station platforms at Chichester and Bognor train stations, throughout the day, wearing bright Samaritan tabards and armed with a smile and special Brew Monday teabags. They had a chat with many of the passengers as they waited for their trains to raise awareness and encourage them to have a chat, over a cup of tea, with anyone they thought might benefit.

For some passengers it was the first time they had heard about the Samaritans and the service we provide; others found our leaflet on tips for listening to others helpful, or wanted details on how to contact us.

It was clear that people really welcomed the information – and teabags, they were given - and it was a worthwhile event. We will be back again next year

About our Branch

Samaritans take action to prevent people reaching crisis point, helping them find ways to cope. We believe that giving people time to explore their thoughts and feelings with undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduces distress and despair.

Did you know:

• Every 90 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the UK or Ireland.
• Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
• Almost 17,000 calls for help were received by our local Branch for the year October 2020 to Sept 2021.
• Since the advent of Covid 19 the Branch has seen around a 14% increase in calls.
• Our Branch is one of 210 branches across the UK and Ireland. Between us, we listen 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

“As key workers, Samaritans volunteers have provided support throughout the Covid pandemic and during lockdowns” says Nick Taunt, Branch Director. "This has been a time when listening to others has never been more important. Our volunteers have stepped up to ensure they are available, can maintain the service safely and offer additional support, specifically for NHS and care staff. To help meet the surge in demand the Branch has increased its coverage during the night - when the service is most in demand."

David, a Branch leader, says “Callers’ issues and concerns have been made so much worse by isolation and loneliness throughout Covid 19. Mental health worries are very much in evidence as well as thoughts of suicide." Volunteer, Jenny, agrees. "We really are needed more than ever."

Our privacy statement

At Samaritans, privacy is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to protecting your privacy and the personal information that we hold. Read our privacy statement here.

Contact us

[email protected] - use this email if you would like to contact the Branch

[email protected] - use this email if you are seeking emotional support