On Monday 19 January – the third Monday in January, often labelled as the most depressing day of the year – Nutmeg will be providing a warm and welcoming space for anyone to drop in, relax, chat and enjoy a complimentary hot drink between 12pm and 2pm for Brew Monday.
‘Nutmeg and Victoria Park are community spaces at heart, so it felt right to be hosting an event like this where people will hopefully come together and have a chat. We’re very much about bringing islanders together, and through this joint initiative, we hope that we can help banish the winter blues while offering support, advice and companionship to those who might need it,’ said Rob Jones, director of Victoria Park.
Guernsey Mind’s trained mental health first aiders will be present if anyone wants a confidential chat or signposting to further support, but there will be no pressure to talk.
‘January can feel quite heavy for some people, and while low mood certainly doesn’t follow a calendar, this period after Christmas can be difficult,’ said Dr Sally Richardson, GP at Healthcare Group.
‘We know that early conversations about mental health are incredibly valuable and can be the starting point for getting the right support. This event is all about reminding people that reaching out and simply sharing a cup of tea with someone can make a real difference.’
In addition to the event at Nutmeg, Guernsey Mind and Guernsey Samaritans have teamed up to host two other drop-ins on the day. They will be at Flourish Cafe at Grow from 10.30am-12pm and at Swallows Cafe at Les Cotils from 4-6pm.
‘Brew Monday is a Samaritans campaign that encourages people to reach out, share a cuppa, and have a meaningful conversation to help combat loneliness and support mental wellbeing. It turns the idea of “Blue Monday” on its head – a term originally coined as a marketing gimmick – and reminds us that feeling low can happen at any time. A simple chat and genuine connection can really help,’ said Amanda Hibbs from Guernsey Mind.
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