To mark Samaritans’ annual Brew Monday campaign, the Prime Minister is holding a coffee and cake hour at Number 10 Downing Street this afternoon.
Joined by the charity’s CEO, volunteers, former callers and people with lived experience of suicide, Sir Keir Starmer is taking the time to have a cuppa and a catch up and remind the nation that moments of human connection can be life-changing for someone who is struggling.
“‘Brew Monday’ isn’t just a great excuse for a cuppa – it’s a reminder of the power of community and the difference we can make through the smallest of gestures. That’s why I’m proud to be supporting Samaritans and encourage everyone to get involved by reaching out to those around you and catching up when you can.”
Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, said.
Samaritans, who answer a call for help every 10 seconds, has been on a mission to banish the myth of Blue Monday since 2017 as it can trivialise mental health and discourage people from seeking help when they need it.
“We know that feeling low isn’t something that happens on a random Monday in January so Samaritans created Brew Monday to shift this harmful myth into something supportive. 1 in 5 people never talk about their feelings* so we’re encouraging the public to make time for one another, create space for honest conversations and remind people they’re not alone.”
Julie Bentley, Chief Executive of Samaritans, said.
Pam Nicholl began volunteering for Samaritans Farnborough Branch in 1988, after a friend lost their teenage sister to suicide. Impassioned to make sure that people in crisis can always find someone to listen to them, she started as a listening volunteer and, over almost four decades at Samaritans, has held a number of positions including Branch Director, Regional Director and Service Director in charge of Samaritans’ NHS and Social Care helpline that supported our health and social care workers throughout the pandemic.
“I never expected that volunteering for Samaritans would lead me to share a custard cream with the Prime Minister today. It means so much that he’s chosen to celebrate Brew Monday with us and help us tackle stigma that prevents so many from having open conversations about how they are feeling. Today’s event is one for the bucket list and I hope it encourages everyone to talk to someone and get support if they are finding life tough.”
Attending today’s event, Pam said.