Organisations across the North East and North Cumbria are backing ‘Brew Monday’ on 17 January. This national campaign encourages everyone to reach out for ‘a cuppa and a catch-up’ with the people they care about, to start vital conversations about mental health.
Explaining what the campaign is about, Hollie Edmondson, North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Lead said:
“The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Monday’, or ‘the most difficult day of the year’ - but this is a myth. We all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide.
“Rather than focussing on the idea of ‘Blue Monday’, we are backing The Samaritans’ call for people to use the day to brew a cuppa and connect with their family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.”
Organisations including NHS Trusts, local authorities, and the voluntary sector across the region which make up the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System are encouraging their staff to get involved in the Brew Monday campaign, by hosting their own events or just taking time for a cuppa with colleagues and service users.
Hollie continued:
“For people who are struggling with their mental health, stigma is still a big issue, and talking to someone about it and asking for help can be one of the hardest steps to take.
“We hope that by encouraging our colleagues and partners to get involved in ‘Brew Monday’, we can make it easier for people to start those vital conversations about mental health with people they care about.
“You don’t have to be an expert to help someone through difficult times; just letting them know that you care, and that you’re there to listen if they want to talk, can make all the difference.”
The Samaritans have shared useful advice on how to be a good listener, such as their SHUSH active listening tips and little tips to help someone open up. 
Some useful helplines are:
- Samaritans - phone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- CALM – an anonymous and confidential helpline & webchat, open 5pm to midnight every day, phone 0800 58 58 58 or visit www.thecalmzone.net
- Shout - 24/7 crisis text support service, text 85258
- Childline - phone 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
- Papyrus HopelineUK - for young people under the age of 35, call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
People who are in distress and need urgent help can get in touch with Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust’s Initial Response services which are open for anyone to call, 24 hours a day:
- North Cumbria:
All ages – 0800 652 2865
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07795 656 226) - Newcastle and Gateshead:
Adults – 0800 652 2863
Children and young people – 0800 652 2864
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07919 228 548) - North Tyneside and Northumberland:
All ages – 0800 652 2861
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07887 625 277) - South Tyneside and Sunderland:
Adults – 0800 652 2867
Children and young people – 0800 652 2868
(Text number for people who are Deaf and/or have communication difficulties – 07889 036 280)
If you or another person have been harmed or are at immediate risk, you may require an emergency response; contact 999 and ask for the relevant service.