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A local mental health charity is encouraging businesses to attend a wellness event ahead of the "most depressing day of the year".
Helpline service Jersey Samaritans will be providing advice about how businesses can support their colleagues on Blue Monday – the third January of every year, which falls on 20 January – in an information session, 'Wellbeing in the Workplace'.
Between 12:00 and 13:00 at the Santander Work Café in Charing Cross, Samaritans will provide tips on the importance of reaching out to colleagues alongside a ‘Learn to Listen’ presentation.
The charity, which offers a 24/7 helpline for people in crisis, would like to see as many businesses elect a representative to attend the free session as possible.
For many years, Samaritans has campaigned to counteract the associations of Blue Monday with an annual event, Brew Monday, which encourages people to stay connected by having a cuppa and a catch-up.
Jersey Samaritans' Branch Director Tarnia Snepp said there's "no right or wrong way" to check in on others.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s over the phone, in person, with tea or without – the important thing is to check in and connect with those you care about. We [Samaritans] know firsthand what a difference those moments of human connection can make to those who are struggling."
Charity volunteers will also be holding an awareness event at the Co-op Grande Marché in St Helier on Saturday 18 January for the general public.
They will be on hand to chat from 10:00 to 16:00.
Tickets for 'Wellbeing in the Workplace' are free and can be reserved here.
For those interested in organising their own Brew Monday event, Samaritans has a wealth of resources available on their website.
Every 10 seconds, one of Samaritans' 23,000 volunteers responds to a call for help around the UK. A donation of £10 can help them keep answering the phone to someone struggling to cope this winter.
Anyone can contact the service for free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit.
To support Samaritans of Jersey, visit their website here.
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