Samaritans teams up with Edmundo Lounge in Bury St Edmunds as part of campaign to tackle Blue Monday

Samaritans volunteers have been busy this morning handing out free cups of tea in Bury St Edmunds as part of a campaign.

The emotional support charity has teamed up with Edmundo Lounge to help people tackle Blue Monday, which is said to be the most depressing day of the year.

As part of a nationwide campaign, the initiative, known as Brew Monday, aims to turn Blue Monday (today) into an opportunity to come together and talk over a cup of tea.

The volunteers have set up a station at the café, while others have been promoting the campaign around the town by handing out free tea bags and information leaflets outlining what emotional support is available from the charity.

Anna Berridge, branch director, said: “Moments of connection can make a significant difference to people who are struggling, and that’s what we’re trying to show with Brew Monday.

“We hope to encourage people to reach out to someone for a catch up over a cuppa, whether it’s on the phone or in person - what’s important is staying connected.”

The charity has supported the Suffolk community for more than 50 years, with a team of 115 volunteers answering more than 20,000 calls from people in distress or at risk of suicide every year.

The charity runs a similar scheme every month from the town’s railway station.

Free drinks are available until 5pm.