Connect over a virtual cuppa on Brew Monday urges Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans

Banish the Monday blues with Samaritans on 'Brew Monday'

In a bid to beat the winter blues, Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans is encouraging the community to reach out to someone they care about to connect over a virtual cuppa this Brew Monday.

The local branch will be kicking off Brew Monday on Monday 18 January - the third Monday in January, sometimes known as ‘Blue Monday’ for being the most difficult day of the year – by encouraging people to get together over a warming virtual cuppa and a chat.

Coinciding with Brew Monday, volunteers from Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans will also be helping members of the community become better listeners with the launch of its first online ‘Learn to Listen’ event on Tuesday (19 January) at 7.30pm to Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale Circle, with other events lined up too.

Winter has a reputation for being one of the hardest seasons, with many finding it difficult to deal with the darker days and cold weather.

Samaritans new research with over 1,400 of the charity’s volunteers found that the start of the cold days and long nights have heightened feelings of isolation and loneliness for those already experiencing loneliness due to the pandemic restrictions.

To ensure that nobody struggles alone, Samaritans is asking people to check in with those they care about virtually.

Moyra Purves from Rochdale Samaritans recognises the importance of connecting with others. She said: “It has been a winter like no other. The challenges that many people face during this season have been felt more acutely this year with the pandemic. There couldn’t be a better time to reach out for a chat with someone you care about. It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, it’s just about taking time to really listen to another person which can in turn help them work through what’s on their mind.

“At Rochdale, Oldham and Districts Samaritans, we know how powerful listening can be. Listening helps us build relationships, be there for others and it can save lives.

“Through our virtual event, we hope that we can help more people to support others and make a difference.”

Rochdale, Oldham and District residents can also organise a virtual tea party or virtual Bake Off this Brew Monday and help Rochdale, Oldham and Districts volunteers continue to be there for anyone who needs a listening ear by raising vital funds for Samaritans.

Join the conversation on social media using #BrewMonday and why not make a donation while you’re there, you could help save a life.

To make a donation and find out other ways you can support Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans, please visit www.samaritans.org/branches/rochdale/. You can ALSO donate by texting RODSAMS, followed by the donation amount, to 70085 (for example, RODSAMS 5 will donate £5 to the Rochdale, Oldham and Districts branch).