Cheers to a cuppa on Zoom as Great Western Railway marks Brew Monday

Great Western Railway has gone virtual in support of Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign to encourage people to connect over a cuppa on what is thought to be the most difficult day of the year.

To mark Blue Monday – the third Monday in January – GWR invited colleagues at Samaritans and Network Rail to share in a virtual cuppa. So virtual in fact, the six participants made their mugs of tea during a Zoom meeting…

Anyone fancy a brew: Taking part in the Zoom cuppa were, clockwise from top left,
GWR Mental Health First Aiders Carl Jones and Noel Fazal, head of wellbeing Barbara
Davenport, HR director Ruth Busby, Kerry Elton, Network Rail Head of Human Resources,
Western route, and Susie Higgs, Director of Swindon and District Samaritans

The special video to support #BrewMonday can be viewed here. Among those taking part is GWR Human Resources Director Ruth Busby.

Ruth said:

“It has been a year like no other and Zoom meetings have become a fixture of the working week for so many. This virtual group cuppa was an important reminder of the need to continue to reach out for a chat with people you work with.

“Samaritans has trained hundreds of our staff to spot someone who might be vulnerable, giving them the confidence to simply start a conversation which could help save a life, so we’re encouraging staff and customers to put that into practise this winter and connect over a socially-distanced cup of tea.”

Research with more than 1,400 Samaritans volunteers found the start of cold days and long nights over winter heighten feelings of isolation for those already experiencing loneliness, feelings that can be exaggerated during the present lockdown restrictions.*   

To help ensure less people struggle alone, the charity wants to turn Blue Monday into something positive by encouraging people to hold virtual brew events to check in on their colleagues, friends and family members.

Samaritans’ CEO, Julie Bentley, said:

“We’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday this year. The challenges that many people face during the winter have been felt even more acutely this year with the pandemic restrictions.

“At Samaritans, we know how powerful talking and listening, even if it is virtually, can be. It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, it’s about taking the time to really listen and supporting one another, which could potentially save a life.”

Network Rail Western Route Head of Human Resources, Kerry Elton, said:

“As part of our alliance with GWR, we work closely to focus on improving the mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues. Covid-19 has brought enormous challenges and now, more than ever, I would encourage people to reach out and connect with family, friends and colleagues.”

GWR is operating a reduced timetable during the latest national lockdown and asks customers to check their journey before travelling at gwr.com/travel-updates/check-your-journey.  

The train operator has been providing rail services throughout the pandemic and has worked to ensure these are as safe as possible. This includes increased cleaning regimes and the use of a virucidal spray; extra staff at key stations to offer help and guidance; and processes in place to help customers maintain a safe distance where possible, such as restricting the number of reservations available.  

Notes to editors

Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England. 

*Samaritans volunteer insight is related to the three months between August to October and was carried out in October 2020. A total of 1,439 volunteers responded to the survey.

Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.   

Samaritans has worked in partnership with the rail industry and the British Transport Police to reduce suicides on the railway for over 10 years. This includes training rail staff to look out for people who might need help and start a conversation, offering their support and getting them to safety. To date, over 22,000 rail staff and BTP officers have been trained in suicide prevention.

Find out more at samaritans.org/brewmonday or join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday and why not make a donation while you’re there. You could help save a life.