VOLUNTEERS at Bury Samaritans are helping people to beat the winter blues by getting together for a warming cuppa.

The charity has launched an initiative called Brew Monday, which aims to "turn the blues into brews."

Brew Monday kicks off today — the third Monday in January, which is dubbed Blue Monday, and rumoured to be the most depressing day of the year.

Residents, friends, families and work colleagues are invited to have meet for a hot drink with someone who may be feeling lonely, in a bid to combat isolation and raise funds for Samaritans.

Chris Mills, director of Bury Samaritans, said: "During the cold and grey winter months, connecting with others over a cuppa can help weather the ups and downs of life.

"Anyone can hold a Brew Monday event at work, at home, wherever and whenever you like — all you need is a kettle and some mugs, and this could make a huge difference in someone’s life.”

Volunteers from the charity are due to visit Wax and Beans coffee shop in Haymarket Street and the Welly Community Café, in Manchester Road Park, to chat to customers.

Samaritans Bury currently has more than 60 volunteers who work out of the charity's Knowsley Street base, helping to answer some of the millions of calls for help that Samaritans responds to each year from people going through a difficult time.

The branch also works with Bury’s Suicide Prevention Group, BIG (Bury Involvement Group) CLC (Creative Living Centre and delivers talks at schools and community groups.

To sign up to a free Brew Monday fundraising pack to host a tea party visit samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/.

Anyone who needs to talk can call Samaritans' free helpline on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.