Brew Monday 2024 rail industry toolkit

The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ but this is a myth. At Samaritans we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ – we all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide.

So, we say it's time to stop this myth about Monday being 'blue' and instead start a conversation over a Brew!

Samaritans’ annual awareness raising campaign is back, and from 15 January 2024, Samaritans is reminding everyone to reach out to connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones. We can always make time for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.

This toolkit includes everything you need to stay connected this Brew Monday - whether it's promoting the campaign in stations or on your digital channels to help us dispel the Blue Monday myth, raising awareness in local press about Samaritans branches at your stations or hosting a team tea party event to get colleagues chatting.

Scroll down to find the following resources available to download and use anytime in January:

• Campaign posters for screens and print
• Social media assets and suggested copy
• Press release template for regional media & stock images
• Bilingual materials (English & Welsh)
• Campaign activities (digital event pack & supporting activities)
• SHUSH listening tips

Thank you, as always, for your support!

Display the campaign artwork on digital screens to promote Brew Monday across stations or print for internal posters. There are a range of sizes available below to accommodate different screen sizes and specifications.

We would love your support across social media channels. Here's some suggested copy to help you raise awareness of the Brew Monday message and downloadable assets below!

Twitter

1. We’re proud to support @Samaritans with #BrewMonday ☕ People can feel low on any day of the year, not just in January, but connecting over a cuppa is a great way to check in with each other 💚 http://bit.ly/brew24
   
2. There’s always time for a cuppa and a catch-up! ☕ We’re taking part in @Samaritans #BrewMonday to debunk the ‘Blue Monday’ myth, and connect with each other and support the charity’s vital work. http://bit.ly/brew24

Facebook

1. It’s more important than ever to take the time to reach out, check in and connect with the people we care about over a warming cuppa 💚​
   
   That’s why we’re proud to support @samaritancharity with #BrewMonday to help debunk the myth around ‘Blue Monday’. People can feel low any day of the year, not just in January and certainly not just on a Monday! ☕ ​
   
   Find out more: http://bit.ly/brew24
   
2. We’re getting together for a virtual #BrewMonday this year to help raise awareness for @samaritanscharity ☕ 💚 ​
   
   Although the third Monday in January may be known as ‘Blue Monday’ Samaritans is encouraging everyone to ditch the myth and put the kettle on instead! ​
   
   People can feel low on any day of the year, not just in January, and what better way to check in with those you care about then sitting down with a cuppa. ​
   
   Find out more: http://bit.ly/brew24

1. Instagram
2. We’re getting together for #BrewMonday this year to raise funds for @samaritanscharity ☕ 💚 ​
   
   Although the third Monday in January may be known as ‘Blue Monday’ Samaritans is encouraging everyone to ditch the myth and put the kettle on instead! ​
   
   People can feel low any day of the year, not just in January, and what better way to check in with those you care about then sitting down with a cuppa. 
   
3. Today is often referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ which is a total myth. There’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’.​
   
   People can feel low on any day of the year, not just in January. That’s why we’re supporting @samaritanscharity #BrewMonday encouraging everyone to connect with the people they care about over a warming cuppa 💚☕ 

LinkedIn

1. It’s more important than ever to take the time to reach out, check in and connect with the people we care about over a warming cuppa 💚
   
   That’s why we’re proud to support @Samaritans with #BrewMonday to help debunk the myth around ‘Blue Monday’. People can feel low any day of the year, not just in January and certainly not just on a Monday! ☕ 
   
   Find out more: http://bit.ly/brew24
   
2. Today is often referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ which is a total myth. There’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’.​
   
   People can feel low on any day of the year, not just in January. That’s why we’re supporting @Samaritans #BrewMonday encouraging everyone to connect with the people they care about over a warming cuppa 💚☕ ​
   
   Find out more and get involved: http://bit.ly/brew24

Here is a template press release that you can tailor to promote your support of Brew Monday in local or regional press. This can be issued anytime in January ahead of Brew Monday station events your station teams may be planning with their local Samaritans branches or staff activity.

For more information or any questions, please contact Samaritans communications officer, Katie May Tracy, on [email protected].

Looking for some activities to do as part of your Brew Monday event? We've got you covered!

Samaritans is encouraging partners and supporters to host their individual Brew Mondays on 15 January 2024. ​

However, you can host it any time and in any way you like - whether in person or virtually.

Send a calendar invite and encourage people to set their virtual backgrounds to one of our Brew Monday posters or a picture of a café to get everyone in the mood. ​

You could also introduce games, quizzes or just use it as an opportunity to find out how everyone’s doing. 

Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen. This could mean not offering advice, not trying to identify what they’re going through with your own experiences and not trying to solve their problems. Share our listening tips on how to give the best support you can.

You can find out more on our website: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-worried-about-someone-else/how-support-someone-youre-worried-about/what-do-if-you-think-someone-struggling/ ​

Here are some SHUSH Listening Tips assets which you can download and share across your internal and external channels this Brew Monday: