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Readers of this website will no doubt know of Gary Owen's video made by Jessica Trusler of Royal Mail, in which he talks of the anxiety and depression he lives with everyday.

 

Talking was one of the ways in which Gary found support, and as such he is active on the WhatsApp chat group along with many other Mental Health First Aiders who use the group as a way of passing on support information and signposting to supporting organisations such as the Samaritans.

 

Gary referred group members to The Samaritans Brew Monday event which takes place annually on 3rd Monday of January.

 

It promotes the idea of talking over a coffee or cup of tea, with someone you know who may need help in facing loneliness, one of the biggest causes of mental ill-health in the UK. Or they may simply need an opportunity to chat and perhaps in doing so, they are able to see through the cloak of anxiety, loneliness, or even just pass the dya with someone they may not often see.

 

The Samaritans website offers plenty of ideas and images that can be used to promote the day, and provides simple ways in which you can organise an event at work of after work, for those you know, may be struggling.

 

As the Samaritans put it:

 

Today’s the day. The day you put the kettle on. The day small talk turns into big talk. The day you break open the biscuits and the taboos.

The day you remind everyone how good human connection feels. How easy it is. And what a difference it can make.

 

Let’s prevent suicide with a cuppa and a catch-up this Brew Monday. Because for many, tomorrow’s too late.

 

For more info and resources, click Gary's message on the right.

 

Source: Gary Owens / Share Wotchit.com

 

See also: Royal Mail Video On Mental Health Features CWU Member

 

 

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