EALING Samaritans gave away free teabags and listening tips to commuters at Ealing Broadway station on Monday in a bid to change Blue Monday into Brew Monday.

Samaritans are turning the third Monday in January, dubbed the most difficult day of the year, on its head and by encouraging friends, family and workmates to have a chat over a cup of tea.

Based in Junction Road, South Ealing, Ealing Samaritans currently have more than 100 volunteers helping to answer some of the five million calls for help that the organisation receives every year from people going through a difficult time.

They teamed up with Network Rail, which works with the charity to reduce suicide across the railway network.

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Ann McLaughlin, director of Ealing Samaritans, said: “Reaching out to someone you know and showing you care could help them feel less lonely and even save a life.

“If you don’t have anyone you feel you can talk to, Samaritans will listen.

"Our number is free to call from any phone, even a mobile without credit, and won’t show up on your phone bill. Call 116 123, email jo@samaritans or call in at our branch to talk face to face.”