Share a cuppa this Brew Monday

The January blues can hit anyone and The Samaritans are encouraging workers to grab a cuppa and have a chat next week as their “Brew Monday” campaign returns for 2025.

The Samaritans, who provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide, are reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about.

Brew Monday takes place annually on the third Monday in January – this year on 20th January.

Unite and the unions thousands of reps and Mental Health First Aiders have been working with the Samaritans to support mental health at work – and “Brew Monday” is the perfect opportunity to grab a cuppa and reach out to colleagues.

The Samaritans say that; “Reaching out to someone could help them know that they are valued and someone cares. If you’ve noticed someone has gone quiet in the group chat or you haven’t heard from them in a while, reach out and check in. A simple message can mean a lot to someone who is going through a difficult time.

“Just reaching out and asking someone how they are can give them the opportunity to open up about how they’re feeling. Don’t forget to put aside some time to catch up with them properly, maybe over a cuppa.”

The Brew Monday website is full of resources and ideas for reps ranging from a simple catch up, to a workplace event during the tea break. These are not not just for next Monday, but can be used at any time.

Sam Gale said: “At Samaritans we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – feeling low isn’t just something that happens on Mondays or a random day in January.

“So we say out with the blue and in with the brew!”
 
Sam is encouraging reps to organise a Brew Monday, any Monday, or a day that’s good for you.

“You can host your own Brew Monday event, virtually or in person, however you want. You could organise a tea break event and raise money for Samaritans, host an online Brew Monday at work, or even do something as simple as picking up the phone and checking in with someone you care about.”

Events like this are also a good chance to signpost colleagues to Unites “United Minds campaign” website which seeks to support mental health at work and help reps and members dealing with workplace stress.

There are resources and more information on The Samaritans “Brew Monday” page.

By Keith Hatch