Newcastle-under-Lyme BID turning Blue Monday into Brew Monday

Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID) will be turning Blue Monday into Brew Monday on Monday 19th January.

From 10am to 11am, the BID team will be based at Keele in Town, handing out free hot drinks and sharing information about wellbeing and support services available locally.  Inspired by the Samaritans Brew Monday campaign, the activity highlights how a simple conversation over a brew can help people feel supported and connected.

Winter can be a particularly difficult time of year for many people, especially in the weeks after Christmas. The cost of the festive period, facing January on tighter budgets and other challenges such as experiencing the season without loved ones can all have a significant impact on wellbeing.

The BID team will be signposting to a range of local wellbeing and practical support services, including mental health support organisations, food support and community initiatives such as BArts Community Pantry.

The event will also be supported by Circle of Friends, who will be offering an informal, non judgmental drop in conversation alongside the Brew Monday activity. Circle of Friends also hosts regular sessions at Newcastle Library between 10.30am and 12.00pm on the last Friday of every month, providing a welcoming space for people to talk and connect.

Charlie Machin, Marketing and Projects Executive at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said:

“We wanted to turn what’s often called the most ‘blue’ day of the year into an opportunity to signpost our community to local and national wellbeing services that offer support all year round. Working with Keele in Town and Piccoloco gives us the chance to hand out free brews and have on site support for informal, non judgemental chats. For some, taking the first step to talk to someone can feel like the hardest part, so knowing those options are there can really help.”

The Brew Monday drop in is open to all, with no booking required and forms part of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID’s wider commitment to supporting the wellbeing of those who live, work in and visit the town centre.