Brew Monday 2023: What Is It & How To Get Involved

Brew Monday is an annual celebration held on the third Monday in January to help beat the January Blues.

Organised by the UK-based charity Samaritans, this campaign strives to encourage people to get together with friends and family to have a cup of tea or coffee to support each other and help combat loneliness.

After all, research suggests that Britons aged from 18 to 24 experience loneliness more often than other age groups so, why not get involved for Brew Monday 2023?

Carry on reading to learn about the history of this annual event and how you can take part in Brew Monday whilst living in student accommodation.

Brew Monday History

You may have heard of ‘Blue Monday’ before, which is the third Monday in January.

It’s said to be the most depressing day of the year due to post-Christmas blues, cold dark weather and a time of year where people tend to hit a wall with their mental health after New Year.

January can be a difficult month for many people once the holidays are over and reality kicks back in, which is why the Samaritans charity created the ‘Brew Monday’ campaign back in 2020.

The idea behind it is to support one another during a time of year when many people can feel depressed, lonely or even suffer from seasonal affective disorder.

This special day encourages people to take a break from their busy life and spend some time with loved ones over a cup of tea or coffee – it can be any type of drink really!

It’s also a way to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the role that a support system can play in promoting good wellbeing.

You can find out more about the history of the Brew Monday campaign on the Samaritans charity website.

How To Get Involved

This year, Brew Monday will be taking place on Monday 16th January 2023 so there’s not long to go!

Unfortunately, it’s not just the arrival of the January blues this year which is affecting people’s wellbeing.

The current cost of living crisis is pushing money worries and mental health struggles to the forefront of people’s minds and now more than ever people are struggling to cope.

This is why it’s so important to support those around us and get involved with Brew Monday.

If you’re wondering how you can celebrate this year, carry on reading.

1. Go For A Walk With Loved Ones

If you’re wanting to get involved with Brew Monday, you could get together with a friend, grab a drink, go for a walk and brush off those January blues in your local park.

A nice walk will do wonders for your wellbeing and will give you an excuse to get out of your student flat.

Spending too much time inside can be tempting when you’re struggling with your mental health, especially during January when the weather isn’t great.

But, push yourself and invite a loved one whether it’s a friend or family member to go outside, wrap up warm and have a stroll.

It’s also a great chance to see some of the green spaces in your uni city or town!

2. Host Your Own Brew Monday Event

Another way you can celebrate Brew Monday is to host your own event in your student accommodation.

You can invite friends and even other students living in the property to get involved in a tea or coffee party.

Not only is it a chance to get to know people you otherwise wouldn’t have spoken to, it’s a great way to help ensure fewer people struggle alone and have people they can talk to.

You could even make a special brew to mark the occasion, whether it’s a favourite tea or coffee blend, or a new recipe you’ve been wanting to try.

So, get some snacks, tea, coffee or even hot chocolate and start socialising.

You could even get creative and decorate the space with a Brew Monday theme for cute vibes!

Thanks to our residents app KLIQ, it’s never been easier to host your own events in your accommodations’ communal spaces.

If you can’t host an in person get together you could always host a virtual Brew Monday event instead.

3. Use Social Media

Social media is a great way to spread awareness of Brew Monday by posting pictures or messages about the annual campaign.

Not only is it important for more people to get involved, but it’s important to raise awareness for the amazing work that the Samaritans volunteers do.

They make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone to talk to, and without the help of those who raise funds, they wouldn’t be able to provide the support that they do.

No matter how you’re celebrating Brew Monday, be sure to spread the word online and let more and more people know about this annual day!

4. Be A Good Listener

There’s no better time to have a catch up with those you care about than Brew Monday.

Reach out to a friend or family member for a chat, whether it’s arranging to meet up in-person, a video call or phone call, get in touch to see how they’re doing.

Make sure to be a good listener when you’re talking to those you care about, especially if they’re opening up to you about their struggles.

Some ways you can be a better listener is by paying attention to the person speaking and putting aside any distractions.

Another way is to ask questions to clarify things that you don’t understand, and try not to solve their issues for them.

Sometimes people just want to talk to get things off their chest when talking to people in their life, and that’s okay.

5. Take Some Time To Relax

Brew Monday takes place on the most difficult day of the year and whilst it’s important to reach out to those in your life to have a catch up, you should also ensure you’re finding the time to look after your wellbeing.

It’s a hard time for everyone so make sure not to neglect your mental health, take some time to relax and unwind with your favourite cuppa.

Whether it’s sitting and chatting with your flatmates, curling up with a good book or watching your favourite shows, this annual day is a great time to relax and recharge.

6. Volunteer

Catching up with the people you care about for Brew Monday is great, but another way you can get involved is by volunteering your time.

There are many people who don’t have a support network around them that they’re able to open up to about their mental health, or just have someone to talk to if they’re feeling lonely.

Why not volunteer in your local community whether it’s a mental health charity, a local organisation or support group?

You can check your university website to see what opportunities are available or search online.

If you would like to volunteer with the Samaritans charity, you can find out how to get involved on their website.

Brew Monday is a fantastic way to connect with people, no matter how you’re celebrating we hope you use this opportunity to check in and listen to those around you, and look after your own mental health this January.

It’s a tough time, but engaging in conversation and having people you can lean on will get you through the winter blues!

Be sure to tag us in your pictures of your Brew Monday event @prestigestudentliving.