CHARITY HOW DOES IT FEEL? Brew Monday’s latest inspiration
It has become an annual day no one looks forward to, even ‘the most difficult day of the year’; the third Monday of January has been coined ‘Blue Monday’ on the basis this is the day when the Christmas high is truly over and the depression of a long cold January has set in.
The theory goes that post the Christmas high, we are all cold, broke for the remainder of the month, perhaps feeling the guilt of overindulging at Christmas, and for many, guilt may have set in too, as New Year’s resolutions committed to in good faith have fallen by the wayside. The application of the term was originated by psychologist Cliff Arnall back in 2004 and though he urges all of us to refute the idea of Blue Monday, the perhaps unintended and positive consequence is it encourages us all to pause and consider our mental wellbeing. To this end, Samaritans have rebranded
the day as Brew Monday. They say, ‘it’s time to end of the myth of Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew!’
When we inevitably hear on the radio, or in conversation at work or at home, talk of Blue Monday, the Samaritans want us to pause and think of reaching out to friends, family, colleagues and loved ones and start a conversation. Not necessarily over a brew, it could be a coffee or a smoothie… it doesn’t matter, what is important is we have paused to check in and are listening to each other. If we are doing that, the Samaritans say, we are doing it right.
46 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2023
To promote Brew Monday, Samaritans have produced a set of downloadable resources - posters, leaflets and even activity packs that can help start conversations. They want us all to host our own events, maybe not even on a Monday, virtually or in person.
It’s as simple as picking up a phone and checking in with a friend, having a tea party or hosting a brew at work. Raising money isn’t essential, after all it’s about checking in on loved ones or colleagues and friends, but should you use your get- together to raise money for Samaritans, you’ll help give people having a tough time somewhere to turn when they need to talk. Just £5 can help Samaritans answer a call for help. When you do have your
brew, ensure you’re a good listener – after all it’s important once someone starts to share how they feel, that they are listened to. This could mean not offering advice, not trying to identify what they’re going through with your own experiences and not
trying to solve their problems. For more suggestions about how to be a good listener, take a look at their SHUSH active listening tips and little tips to help someone open up.
www.samaritans.org/support-us/ campaign/brew-monday/
There’s always time for a cuppa and a catch-up Raise funds for Samaritans
Hold a Brew Monday get-together anytime and enjoy a cuppa and a catch-up with friends, family or colleagues.
Right now is the perfect time to connect with those around you. It doesn’t matter if it’s Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice.
By raising funds for Samaritans, you’ll help make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who’s going through a tough time.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
