Thameslink to run new ‘Brew Train’ with Samaritans to get people chatting over a cuppa

The UK’s largest rail operator is once again teaming up with Samaritans to flip ‘Blue Monday’ on its head and turn what is commonly believed to be the most difficult day of the year, into something positive.

Replacing ‘Blue Monday’ with ‘Brew Monday’ on 15 January, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) is teaming up with Samaritans volunteers to hand out teabags, biscuits and leaflets to Thameslink passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line.

Being hailed the ‘Brew Train’, the Peterborough to London service will be joined by volunteers from GTR and Samaritans, as well as other partners including British Transport Police (BTP), Stevenage Football Club and dedicated suicide prevention charities, Andy’s Man Club and The Jordan Legacy.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage people to get together for a cuppa this month, whilst signposting to support for those who may be struggling at this time of year.

In addition to the ‘Brew Train’, people looking for support can talk to Samaritans volunteers who will be at the following stations:

• Luton, Welwyn Garden City, East Croydon, Three Bridges and Horsham, Monday 15^th January
• Hitchin, Tuesday 16^th January
• St Neots, Friday 19^th January

GTR’s Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager, Laura Campbell, said: “Together with the Samaritans, we want to bust the ‘Blue Monday’ myth and instead use the day as a time to connect with our passengers and start positive conversations. January can be a tough month for many with Christmas and New Year celebrations behind us, but it doesn’t have to be a miserable time if we get together and support each other.

“As well as promoting our Brew Train, I’ll be encouraging our own staff to get involved in Brew Monday by hosting an internal drop-in session on 15 January so that together, we can turn this date into something fun.”

Head of Samaritans Rail Programme, Olivia Cayley, added: “We’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday again this year. We want everyone to know that you are never alone and even small moments of human connection like this can play a big role in helping people who are currently struggling.

“Our volunteers are available around the clock to listen to anyone who needs support this Brew Monday and every other day of the year, 24/7.”

To find out more about Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign, visit www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday.

Notes to editors:

• The Brew Train will be the 09:26 service on Monday 15 January departing from Peterborough, travelling to London St Pancras International and back.
• Members of Stevenage FC’s Academy will be taking part in GTR’s Brew Train as part of the ongoing partnership between Thameslink and the football club.
• Volunteers from Samaritans will also be visiting the southern part of GTR’s network as part of its Brew Monday outreach, including East Croydon and Three Bridges.
• Andy’s Man Club is a suicide prevention charity which aims to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.
• The Jordan Legacy was founded in 2020, in memory of Jordan Phillip, who took his own life in December 2019. The charity wants to reduce the frequency of suicides and improve mental wellbeing at work and in society.
• Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, 365 days a year, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.