Blue Monday is here, but a suicide prevention charity is doing its best to dispel the idea that January 16 is the saddest day of the year.

Swindon & District Samaritans' listening volunteers are busy all through the year, responding to calls for help, so the branch wants to turn the day on its head by rebranding it Brew Monday and encouraging friends and family to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch-up.

Special awareness days are being run at its shop in Curtis Street today, January 19, 20 and 21 where people can drop in and pick up a mug and tea bag, for a small donation, and chat about the power of connecting over a cuppa..

Branch director, Susie Higgs, said: “It’s simple, there is no such thing as Blue Monday. People can feel low at any point in the day, week or year and we want them to know that they are never alone.

“Forget Blue Monday and instead check in with people who you care about for a cuppa and a chat as talking really can save lives. Our volunteers are available around the clock to listen to anyone who needs support this Brew Monday and every other day of the month and year, 24/7.”

Nationally, Samaritans responds to calls for help every 10 seconds and its lines are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It also offers a self-help app to enable people to keep track of how they are feeling and support them with ideas for what they can do to cope or stay safe in a crisis.

To help organise Brew Monday get-togethers, Samaritans have provided useful resources, fundraising tips, and information, available at www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday

They include suggestions on how to be a good listener and tips on how to encourage people to talk through what's going on and feel better able to cope.

There is also advice on how to encourage people to seek more help if they are struggling.

Anyone that wants to host a Brew Monday event can do it in person or virtually, from an organised tea party fundraiser to a simple phone conversation with someone they care about.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org for help and more information about the charity's work.