Mental health charity Samaritans believe 'there is no such thing' as Blue Monday. For years, the third Monday of January has been known as Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year.
The term was coined by UK travel company Sky Travel back in 2005.
The concept was published in a press release which claimed to have calculated the date based on an equation which included factors like the weather and low motivational levels.
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However, Samaritans have pushed back on the idea stating that 'people can feel low at any point in the day, week or year'. The organisation who say they are responding to a call for help every 10 seconds have instead a new campaign called 'Brew Monday'.
With Brew Monday, Samaritans are hoping to turn Blue Monday on it's head by encouraging friends and family to stay connected through a cup of tea and a chat. Volunteers at branches across the nation will be celebrating Brew Monday and hosting special fundraising and awareness events in the local community.
Volunteers will also be joining forces with local rail industry partners to host events at train stations, handing out tea bags and chatting to passengers about the power of connecting over a cuppa and a catch up.
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Samaritans spokesperson said: “It’s simple, there is no such thing as Blue Monday. People can feel low at any point in the day, week or year and we want them to know that they are never alone.
“Forget Blue Monday and instead check in with people who you care about for a cuppa and a chat as talking really can save lives. Our volunteers are available around the clock to listen to anyone who needs support this Brew Monday and every other day of the month and year, 24/7.”
To help organise Brew Monday get togethers, Samaritans has provided useful resources, fundraising tips, and information, available on their website. Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
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