The West Midlands Samaritans are rebranding ‘Blue Monday’ to ‘Brew Monday’ to promote mental health awareness and connection over a cup of tea
Birmingham: Joshua Savage has been volunteering with the Samaritans for over ten years. He’s helping the charity change ‘Blue Monday’ into ‘Brew Monday’.
Joshua mentioned that this time of year can be tough. With the holidays over and the weather gloomy, it’s easy to feel down. But he believes there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’—people can struggle any time.
Many have criticized the term ‘Blue Monday’ for oversimplifying mental health issues. It often gets used by companies for marketing, which isn’t fair.
Instead, ‘Brew Monday’ encourages folks to grab a cuppa with friends or family and chat about how they’re feeling. It’s all about connection.
Today, the Samaritans set up a stall at Birmingham New Street Station. They handed out tea bags and invited busy commuters to pause and check in with themselves.
Joshua said they’ve been doing this for a couple of years now. He wants people to use ‘Brew Monday’ as a chance to ask, “Want to grab a cup of tea? How have you been?”
It’s about having those real conversations every day, not just on one specific day.
He believes changing the narrative from ‘Blue Monday’ will help people talk more openly about mental health all year long. It’s perfectly fine to not feel okay sometimes.
Joshua added that there’s always someone to talk to, no matter the day. If you’re feeling good, why not reach out to someone who might need a chat?
And if you think someone’s struggling, just ask them if they’d like to have a cup of tea.
The Samaritans are there to listen 24/7, every day of the year, for anyone needing support.
