The third Monday of January is reputed to be the most depressing day of the year.

The weather is often miserable, the days are short and the festive season is but a memory.

Now the Samaritans are trying to alleviate the ’Blue Monday’ feeling by encouraging people to get together for a cup of tea and a chat.

’Brew Monday’ is also designed to raise awareness and money for Samaritans.

In the Isle of Man, ’Share the Warmth’ teabags will be freely available from a number of locations including Henry Bloom Noble Library and Java Express coffee shop in Douglas, in addition to Ramsey Library.

On the day itself (January 20), volunteers from the Isle of Man branch of Samaritans will be at Lord Street bus station in Douglas between 8am and 9am and 3.30pm and 6pm, to publicise the campaign, encourage people to take part in Brew Monday and hand out teabags to the public.

Lesley Moughtin from the Isle of Man branch said: ’Your Brew Monday doesn’t have to be on a specific date, a get-together can be organised any Monday this January or February, or any day that works for you. It can be at work, home, school - it is completely up to you.

’The campaign aims to raise awareness of loneliness and how it can affect everyone, young and old, and the importance of supporting each other through difficult times.

’A simple catch-up with friends can have a really positive impact on your mental health, but often life gets in the way and catch-ups get postponed.

’By using your Brew Monday to raise money for Samaritans, you’ll be helping to give people experiencing a tough time somewhere to turn when they need to talk, and that’s priceless. I urge everyone - Isle of Man businesses, schools, groups, individuals, organisations - to come together for Brew Monday and banish those winter blues.’

Free Samaritans Brew Monday fundraising kits, including posters, fundraising ideas and money boxes, are available to sign up for online at: www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/