ABERYSTWYTH’S Samaritans tried to turn Blue Monday into Brew Monday when they welcomed train travellers to Aberystwyth.

Monday, 15 January, is said to be the most depressing day of the year when people have finished celebrating Christmas and have begun being bombarded with incoming bills.

But local Samaritans were out in force at the railway station to help turn the day around by reassuring visitors on the early-morning trains with a present of teabags and advice on how to chat about their problems in a promotional event run in conjunction with Network Rail.

Andy Thomas, route managing director for Network Rail in Wales and Borders, said: “Someone attempts to take their own life on the railway every 36 hours and we need to do all we can to combat this shocking statistic. This is a great opportunity to reach out to people who may be struggling at this time of year and encourage them to open up and have a chat over a cup of tea.”

Joanna Emerson, regional director for Samaritans in Wales and the Marches, said: “We want to highlight the value of people taking time to chat, rather than going it alone with their thoughts. You don’t need special skills to encourage someone to open up over a cuppa.

“And, for anyone who feels they have nowhere to turn, our volunteers are there."

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