Share the warmth this Monday to sit down and have a chat with friends, colleagues and loved ones, all in aid to highlight how conversation can help beat the January blues.
Monday 20th January, also known as ‘Blue Monday’, has proved to be one of the most difficult days of the year, due to factors such as the weather, financial pressures and failed New Year’s resolutions. However, West Midlands Railway are taking a positive approach to the day as we team up with Samaritans in promoting their ‘Brew Monday’ events.
What is ‘Brew’ Monday?
‘Brew’ Monday is a Samaritans initiative which highlights how a conversation can help people manage the ups and downs life brings… and we’re pretty sure we’ve all experienced a ‘it’s just been one of those days’ moments. Sound familiar?
Along with Samaritans, at West Midlands Railway, we want to encourage you to get together and chat over a nice brew, to focus on how to move forward positively in 2020 and to continue a positive spirit over the year.
Taking time out to talk, can be extremely beneficial whether you’re at work or at home. Sometimes life just gets in the way and we start to fall into a ‘too busy’ routine. But, by just taking a short break for a chat can help us de-stress and remember that there’s always a silver lining.
Samaritans tips for helping others
The Samaritans charity aim at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or, who are at risk of suicide.
It would be great if you could take a little of your time to familiarise yourself with some of the Samaritans quick tips on how you can help someone open up when something’s up.
How to spot when something might be up
Here are just some of the signs that someone may not be okay:
- Not wanting to do things they usually enjoy
- Finding everyday things overwhelming
- Not replying to messages or being distant
- Avoiding people, or seeming quiet
- Appearing restless or agitated
- Easily tearful
- Drinking or using drugs to cope with feelings
How to open up a conversation:
Don’t be shy to ask how someone’s feeling:
- Choose a good time and somewhere without distractions
- Use open questions that need more than a yes/no answer
- Listen well
- Avoid giving your view of what’s wrong, or what they should do
How to be a good listener:
Showing you care builds trust to open up:
- Make eye contact and put away your phone
- Focus completely on the other person
- Try not to jump in to fill up silence
- Resist putting your own interpretation on it
- Don’t give up. Sometimes it can take a few tries!
How to help someone get more help:
If it feels like the person is really struggling to cope:
- Ask them if they need some help i.e. have they tried their GP
- Ask them if they need someone to come with them when they go for help
- Ask them to call Samaritans to talk to someone who can help
- Reassure them that they can come and talk to you at any time
So, if you have a spare ten minutes this Monday to put aside, catch up with others, enjoy your brew and remember you’re not alone.
If you would like to donate to help the Samaritans help those who are struggling, text Brew5 to 70507 to give just £5. Donating £5 to Samaritans allows a Samaritan to be able to answer a call for help from someone who is struggling to cope with big, difficult feelings, who also may feel alone. It can even save their life.