-3.1 C
Inverness
Thursday, February 13, 2025

Something’s Brewing in Inverness!

- Advertisement -

Brew Monday arrives to kick out the so-called January Blues

Samaritans Scotland’s Inverness Branch say it’s out with the blue and in with the brew, with a Brew Monday event held in Inverness today. 

The third Monday of each year is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year.

The truth is, Blue Monday doesn’t exist, and feeling low isn’t something that can be pinned down to one day in the calendar. 

To help dispel this myth, Samaritans’ Inverness branch pitched up in the popular Hidden Gem Café within the Spectrum Centre, encouraging people to drop in and have a cuppa and a chat.

The Brew Monday takeover encourages the public to reach out and connect with those they care about in whatever way they feel most comfortable. 

Speaking about the Brew Monday event, Inverness Branch Director, Alison Wood, said:

“At Samaritans we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’. 

“We are consistently busy responding to a call for help every 10 seconds, every hour of every day of the year.

“We know that people find life difficult at all times of the year, not just one day in January. 

“It’s important to end this myth once and for all because it could discourage people from help-seeking if they think they ought to be feeling sad.

“Samaritans is reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about.

“Even small moments of human connection like this can play a big role in helping people who are currently struggling, which is a big part of what we are doing in Inverness.”

Samaritans has long campaigned to dispel the myth of the ‘most depressing day of the year’ and instead runs its annual Brew Monday campaign which encourages friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch-up. 

Danielle Rowley, Head of Communications and Policy at Samaritans Scotland, said:

“At Samaritans, we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’.

“We all have our good days and our bad days, these aren’t for the calendar to decide.  

“Our dedicated listening volunteers all over Scotland are consistently busy 24/7, 365 days a year, picking up a call for help every 10 seconds.

“The simple act of having a chat with someone over a coffee can have a huge impact – it could even save a life.  

“It’s time to stop the myth about this Monday being ‘blue’ and instead start a conversation over a brew”. 

The event was widely supported, bringing together Samaritans listening volunteers and representatives from across the community, including  Councillor Michael Gregson and Clachnacuddin FC.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Gregson said: 

“A pleasure to meet staff and volunteers at #TeamSamaritans today.

“The organisation is, of course, invaluable and, especially in today’s challenging world.

“The positive and nurturing vibe should be distilled and shared.

“Great work!

“More #BrewMonday please.” 

From Clachnacuddin FC, the club’s very own Mental Health Liaison Officer, Neil Parish, was on hand to talk about the power of football in connection and community, particularly around men’s mental health.

Speaking about the club’s commitment to improving mental wellbeing amongst its players, staff, and fans, Mr Parish said: 

“Clachnacuddin F.C. is a Club steeped in history.

“It’s geographically and metaphorically at the heart of the community and has always strived to make a difference.  

“Football clubs, such as ours, are predominantly macho environments.

“This can present a unique challenge.

“Getting fellas to talk and share is difficult, but by simply being visible, we can start those discussions that just might help. 

“At Clachnacuddin, we offer a Drop-In advice and support service in our Boardroom, and we plan to take the Boardroom on Tour to a number of Social Hubs.

“We are also exploring options for social get-togethers to watch live football, that are more warm and friendly, as opposed to loud and rowdy. 

“It’s important to come together with organisations like Samaritans and be part of initiatives like Brew Monday.

“It’s all about connecting with others and working towards the same goal.” 

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even on a mobile without credit.

Or you can email jo@samaritans.org

- Advertisement -
Latest news
- Advertisement -spot_img
Related news
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img