Brew Monday

Brew Monday is observed on the third Monday in January. This initiative was created by the charity Samaritans to challenge the concept of “Blue Monday,” which is often incorrectly labeled as the most depressing day of the year. The holiday encourages people to connect with friends, family, or colleagues over a cup of tea or coffee to foster meaningful conversation and emotional support during the winter months. In 2026, it falls on January 19.

History of Brew Monday

The campaign was launched in 2020 by Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity operating in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was designed as a direct response to a 2005 marketing campaign that used a pseudoscientific formula to claim the third Monday of January was the year’s most difficult day due to weather, debt, and failed New Year’s resolutions. Samaritans recognized that perpetuating the myth of a “saddest day” could discourage people from seeking help at other times, so they transformed the date into a positive opportunity for human connection.

Since its inception, Brew Monday has grown through partnerships with the rail industry and various corporate organizations. Volunteers often gather at major train stations to hand out tea bags and listening tips to commuters, emphasizing that any day is a good day for a conversation. The movement has evolved from a simple awareness campaign into a major fundraising event, with the “brew” serving as a universal symbol for taking a break to check in on the well-being of others.

Why is Brew Monday important?

This day highlights the vital role of active listening in mental health support. Many people experience increased feelings of isolation or seasonal affective disorder during the dark, cold weeks of January. By encouraging people to sit down for a “cuppa,” the holiday provides a low-pressure social excuse to reach out to someone who might be struggling. It shifts the focus from individual gloom to collective support, reminding the public that small gestures can have a significant impact on a person’s outlook.

The observance also serves to raise funds for the 24-hour helplines maintained by Samaritans. Every donation collected during Brew Monday events helps ensure that trained volunteers are available to answer calls from individuals in distress. By normalizing the act of talking about one’s feelings over a common beverage, the campaign works to reduce the social stigma associated with mental health challenges. It encourages a culture where asking for help is seen as a healthy and necessary part of daily life.

• The holiday helps debunk the myth that mental health struggles are tied to a specific calendar date.
• Connecting over a warm drink provides a simple way to break the ice in difficult conversations.
• It raises awareness for suicide prevention and the availability of free support services.
• The campaign encourages workplaces to prioritize the emotional well-being of their employees.
• It emphasizes that being a good listener is just as important as speaking up.

How to Celebrate Brew Monday

The most common way to participate is by hosting a tea or coffee morning for friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Whether in person or via a video call, the goal is to set aside a specific time to talk about things beyond surface-level small talk. Many people use the opportunity to raise money for charity by asking for small donations in exchange for tea and biscuits. Organizers can find resources online, such as listening guides and printable posters, to help facilitate a supportive environment.

Practicing “active listening” is a core part of the observance. This involves giving a person your full attention, avoiding the urge to offer immediate solutions, and asking open-ended questions that allow them to express themselves fully. Even if you cannot host a large event, simply sending a text to a friend to ask if they want to grab a coffee can fulfill the spirit of the day. These small moments of outreach help build stronger support networks that remain active long after the winter season has passed.

• Reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while for a quick chat.
• Set up a “tea station” in your office breakroom with a variety of brews.
• Share information about mental health helplines on your social media pages.
• Take a dedicated 15-minute break to enjoy a drink and clear your mind.
• Practice the “SHUSH” listening tips provided by Samaritans volunteers.

Brew Monday Dates Table