SOUTH Western Railway staff backed Samaritans’ bid to turn ‘Blue Monday’ into ‘Brew Monday’ this week, by helping get people together for tea and a chat on what has been dubbed ‘the most difficult day of the year’.

Rail staff joined Samaritans volunteers at stations on the day encouraging people to connect over a cuppa by offering passengers free tea bags and listening tips, as well as promoting the lifeline for many desperate people who have no one else to turn to.

A Samaritans spokesman said: “We’re thrilled to be taking part in Brew Monday.

“We want to highlight the value of people taking time to chat, rather than going it alone with their thoughts.

"You don’t need special skills to encourage someone to open up over a cuppa. And, for anyone who feels they have nowhere to turn, our volunteers are there.

“It’s free to call us from any phone or you can email us or talk to someone face to face at your local branch of Samaritans.”

‘Brew Monday’ was also supported by Network Rail, British Transport Police and the rest of the rail industry, thanks to a life-saving partnership with Samaritans which aims to reduce suicide on its tracks.

Find out more about Brew Monday at www.samaritans.org/brewmonday or follow @samaritans on Twitter, @samaritanscharity on Instagram, and also on Facebook.

Call the free helpline any time from any phone on 116 123.