On Brew Monday Derby Samaritans took to Derby Station, greeted the morning passengers and Derby South MP Baggy Shanker to break the taboos of Blue Monday.
Derby Samaritans is centred on the power of human connection and our Brew Monday awareness campaign encourages people to come together and have a conversation with someone they are worried about because it could save a life.
Stephanie Taylor, Branch Director says: “We answer a call every 10 seconds and know first hand how a conversation where someone shares how they feel can be life changing. Brew Monday is an opportunity for everyone to check in with those we care about. Making time for anyone we might be worried about to have a chat and tell us how they are really feeling. It might seem simple to some or impossible to others, but we know the difference it can make to someone who is struggling.”
“The sad reality is that the number of deaths from suicide in the UK and locally in Derby and Derbyshire has been too high for decades and has been steadily increasing since 2017. Derby and Derbyshire have higher rates of suicide than the national average.”
Our Brew Monday stand was at Derby Station and listening volunteers handed out tea bags and cards encouraging passengers to check in with friends and family over a brew and ask them how they are.
Branch Listening volunteers Michael Jess and Catherine Arkley joined Train Manager Steven Thake on the 14.32 Samaritans Brew Train travelling from Derby to St Pancras. Michael and Catherine met passengers on the train, talked about the work of the Samaritans and Brew Monday while passengers enjoyed free tea, coffee, biscuits and cup cakes.
At St Pancras Station they joined fellow Samaritans and the Joy Choir as they serenaded passengers on their way home. Joy filled the station and everyone had the chance to smile.