RAIL passengers heading out from Reading Station tomorrow will have smiles on their faces, thanks to a special scheme aimed at spreading some cheer.
The third Monday is January is often labelled Blue Monday, the most difficult day of the year. So in a bid to bust the myth, Great Western Railway, Network Rail and Samaritans are teaming up to create Blueming Marvellous Monday.
Staff at the busy town centre railway station will give our blue wooden roses, ask people what makes them smile, and encourage people to join Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign. This encourages people to have a cuppa and a catch-up.
As well as conversing with customers at Reading station, GWR and NR colleagues will be hitting the high notes alongside Winnie the Wellbeing Piano, with Railway Mission Chaplain for the South West of England, John Roe, tinkling the ivories.
Brew Monday events will be held at other stations as well.
Samaritans, which offers a listening ear to people who need it, and Network Rail have worked together since 2010, and this is an extension of that partnership.
Ruth Busby, people and transformation director (regional) for GWR and Network Rail Wales and Western, said: “We’re trying to brighten up everyone’s day. Forget about it being the so-called saddest day of the year – Blueming Marvellous Monday is designed to put a smile on our customers’ faces.
“Our colleagues across GWR and Network Rail were keen to do something positive to support Brew Monday, and this aligns well with Samaritans’ own campaign this year, which turns the idea of ‘Blue Monday’ on its head and encourages people to reach out and chat every day of the year.”
The partnership is welcomed by Samaritans, who said they were grateful for the support for its Brew Monday initiative.
Shona Gibbs, acting head of rail at Samaritans, said: “At Samaritans we know there is no such thing as Blue Monday and people can feel low at any point of the week or year. Brew Monday, combined with GWR and NR’s idea of a Blueming Marvellous Monday, provides passengers with an extra portion of positivity.
“We want everyone to know that you are never alone and we’re encouraging them to check in with people they care about for a cuppa and a chat as talking 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 year, 24/7.”
The Brew Monday support is part of the rail industry’s suicide prevention programme and partnership with Network Rail.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
