Great Western Railway and Network Rail have partnered with Samaritans to set up two stations in Cornwall to mark Brew Monday.

This annual event, created by the suicide-prevention charity, transforms the third Monday of January into an occasion to connect over a hot drink.

This anti-Blue Monday campaign endeavours to dispel the misconception that it's an especially hard day, which could deter people from seeking life-changing help.

To raise widespread awareness of the event, Great Western Railway (GWR) staff will team up with Samaritans volunteers at 15 stations handing out teabags and sparking conversation.

Ruth Busby, people and transformation director for GWR and Network Rail Wales and Western, said: "We’re really proud to be supporting Samaritans’ Brew Monday campaign again this year and spreading this important message to our passengers and staff.

"Samaritans has worked in partnership with Network Rail and the wider rail industry since 2010 encouraging the public and our staff to recognise the power of human connection and start a conversation which could save a life.

"So, we’re putting that into practice and helping to bust the Blue Monday myth over a brew."

Falmouth Packet: This annual event transforms the third Monday of January into an occasion to connect over a hot

Two of the 15 stations are in Penzance and Truro; the remainder can be found in the likes of Reading, Plymouth, Oxford, Gloucester, London among others.

Engagement in the Brew Monday support aligns with the rail industry's suicide prevention programme.

For a decade, Samaritans has worked alongside the rail industry and British Transport Police to reduce railway suicides, having successfully trained over 28,000 rail and BTP staff to identify potential vulnerable individuals among passengers and engage them in supportive conversation.

Olivia Cayley, head of Samaritans rail programme said: "At Samaritans we know there is no such thing as Blue Monday and people can feel low at any point of the week or year.

"We want everyone to know that you are never alone and even small moments of human connection like this can play a big role in helping people who are currently struggling.

"We’re so grateful to the rail industry for their support of Brew Monday again this year.

"Our volunteers are available around the clock to listen to anyone who needs support this Brew Monday and every other day of the year, 24/7."

Samaritans emphasise that their valued listening volunteers remain accessible 24/7, on any phone and free of charge, at 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org.