Reading Samaritans is encouraging people in Reading to beat Blue Monday by getting together for a cuppa and a chat today (Monday January 21) for Brew Monday.

Samaritans volunteers from across the south, including Reading, Bracknell, Newbury and Farnborough, will be at Reading station from 7am to 7pm, chatting to commuters and handing out free tea bags.

Often described as ‘the most difficult day of the year’, the charity is turning the third Monday in January on its head and hoping to banish the January blues by encouraging friends, family and work mates to have a chat over a brew.

Throughout the year, volunteers from branches across the south help to answer some of the 5 million calls for help that the charity respond to every year from people going through a difficult time and needing emotional support.

Reading Samaritans Director Ali Chapman said: "Isolation and loneliness can be one of reasons for people to contact Samaritans. Helping people get together for a chat over a cup of tea can help provide support at what can be a difficult time of the year."

Ian Stevens, Network Rail’s Suicide Prevention program manager said: “Brew Monday is a great opportunity for the rail industry to show its support for Samaritans and the great work they do in helping people up and down the country.

"Millions of people use the rail network every day and if through this campaign we can encourage them to talk about their problems over a cup of tea, we will have made a significant contribution to their lives and to the lives of those around them.”

Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the railway, said: “We’re proud to be welcoming Samaritans volunteers into our stations to give people a boost on one of the most difficult days of the year.

"The railway wants to support and strengthen communities and bringing people together over a cuppa is a great way to combat isolation and loneliness.”

People can join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday and can also donate to the charity.

To find out ways to get involved with Brew Monday or for further information, email Dave at readingsamaritansoutreach@gmail.com