The third Monday in January is often referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’, but this is a myth. We’re supporting Samaritans and its campaign to stop the stigma about Monday being ‘blue’ and instead encourage conversations over a brew!

This year’s brew Monday takes place on the 16th of January. The campaign is all about connecting, listening, and helping family, friends, and colleagues share how they’re feeling. Most people going through a challenging time keep it to themselves. But it’s so important to break the silence and reach out for support. You never know who in your circle or community is going through a tough time during the ‘January blues’, and may need your listening ear.

Why Brew Monday?

Mental health struggles, particularly in the winter months, are not a new concept. For centuries people have known and remarked on the ‘winter blues’. The dark and cold days of winter can be a difficult time for so many, and having someone to chat with is a good way to support those who are struggling.

Brew Monday is a campaign that brings people together for a cuppa, a chat and to banish the winter blues. The key message of the campaign is to always make time for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter what you’re drinking or what day in winter you’re meeting. If you’re sharing a drink and listening, you’re doing it right.

What Makes This Year’s Brew Monday Different?

Unfortunately, it’s not just the arrival of January blues this year which is affecting so many people’s well-being. The current cost of living crisis is driving money worries and mental health struggles to the forefront of people’s minds, and now more than ever many are struggling to cope.

This is why it’s important to support those around us and get involved with brew Monday.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Samaritans share many tips and resources on how to approach, listen, and even host your own brew Monday event, you find more information here. We’ve put together some of our ideas that we’ve shared with the team at 848 this brew Monday.

Go for a walk – An easy way to brush off those January blues is to get together with a friend, grab a drink, and go for a walk in your local park.

Host your own brew Monday event – Invite friends or family to meet up together and share some cake and cuppa. Perhaps you could throw a tea and talk party at work. You could also even turn these gatherings into fundraising events for Samaritans.

Catch up online – Using Microsoft Teams you could schedule some time for your department to have a coffee and catch up. Checking in with the people you work so closely with on a day-to-day basis is essential; you never know when they may need support.

Use your online platforms – Use social media to spread awareness of brew Monday. Post pictures or messages about the annual campaign. This is a great way to not only share the amazing work that Samaritans do, but to share with others that there is support out there.

What is 848 Doing this Brew Monday?

At 848, we’re encouraging our teams to get involved this brew Monday. Whether that’s scheduling an online or in-person meeting with a colleague, hosting their own brew Monday event, volunteering, or using social media.

We want to do all we can to beat the January blues, help combat loneliness, and support mental health struggles during this difficult time of year.

The 848 Group has supported Samaritans over the past year through fundraising, events, and campaigns. We’re delighted to be continuing that relationship and look forward to more fundraising in 2023.