Sip, Reflect and Connect at Brew Monday Events
Published 15 Jan 2025
This January, Samaritans in Northern Ireland are inviting the public to take part in Brew Monday, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging conversations and promoting mental well-being. Brew Monday, traditionally held on what’s typically known as Blue Monday (January 20), is all about coming together over a cup of tea or coffee to connect and support one another.
This year, Brew Monday events will be hosted at libraries across Northern Ireland and the iconic Grand Central Station in Belfast, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy a warm drink while starting meaningful conversations.
A variety of local libraries will host Brew Monday events where visitors can stop by for a free cup of tea or coffee, enjoy conversation and learn more about Samaritans and their vital work in the community. The events encourage individuals to come together, check in with friends, family, or colleagues and provide support to one another. Brew Monday highlights the importance of reaching out, reducing isolation, and fostering supportive conversations, particularly during the colder months when feelings of loneliness can be more pronounced.
Libraries NI Chief Executive Dr Jim O’Hagan said: “We are delighted to be part of Brew Monday this year, hosting drop-in coffee mornings across libraries in Northern Ireland. This initiative is a fantastic way to bring people together, encourage meaningful conversations and promote mental wellbeing. Our libraries are welcoming spaces providing a supportive environment where everyone can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and connect with others in the community.”
To check when your local library is hosting an event, contact the library directly or keep an eye on the Libraries NI social media.
The iconic new Grand Central Station, Belfast is also supporting Brew Monday and will serve as a central location for the public to join in Brew Monday festivities. Samaritans will have a pop-up presence where commuters and passersby can take a moment to connect, reflect, and chat about mental well-being.
Why Brew Monday?
Rather than emphasising a specific "blue" day, Samaritans encourages ongoing awareness and conversations about well-being. By choosing to highlight Brew Monday over Blue Monday, Samaritans aims to promote healthy, supportive conversations and reinforce that mental health is something to talk about every day, not just on a designated "depressing" day.
“Brew Monday is all about starting important conversations,” said Marcella Taylor, Samaritans Regional Director for Northern Ireland, “We believe that a cup of tea can be the perfect way to bring people together, whether it's sharing your thoughts, listening to someone else, or just taking the time to pause and reflect. We’re excited to bring Brew Monday to libraries and the Grand Central Station this year, and we hope it sparks conversations that make a real difference.”
“Brew Monday is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of mental well-being and create a space for open, supportive conversations. I am so pleased to see Libraries NI and Belfast Grand Central Station joining us in this important cause. Their involvement helps bring the message to even more people, creating welcoming environments where everyone can take a moment to connect and reflect. Together, we can make Brew Monday a day of real impact and inspire meaningful conversations that support mental health all year round.”
How to Get Involved:
Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering with Samaritans or simply wanting to participate in the Brew Monday events can visit one of the participating libraries. To check when your local library is hosting an event, contact the library directly or keep an eye on the Libraries NI social media.
For more information on how to apply to become a Listening Volunteer, or if you are unable to attend an event but still wish to learn more, please visit https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/listening-volunteer/apply/