Local volunteers are promoting “how powerful listening can be” by urging Mancs to stop for “a cuppa and a catch-up” this Blue Monday.
In a bid to power through the cold winter months and to provide support on what is always said to be one of the ‘most depressing days of the year’, Samaritans is encouraging the Greater Manchester community to reach out to someone they care about for “a cuppa and a catch-up” as part of the annual ‘Brew Monday’ campaign.
While the third Monday in January is widely-known to have its challenges, the charity is keen to highlight that there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’, as people can feel a range of emotions any day of the year.
Samaritans volunteers say they hear similar concerns all year round from those who contact the charity, with an average of 10,000 calls coming in each day.
From December 2020 – November 2021, Samaritans said that 46% of contacts that reached out for emotional support mentioned mental health and illness, 34% mentioned family, and 28% mentioned loneliness as a concern.
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So, to ensure nobody struggles alone, on Brew Monday or any other day, Samaritans is reminding everyone to check in on friends, family, colleagues on 17 January.
Samaritans’ annual ‘Brew Monday’ campaign is keen to promote how powerful listening can be / Credit: Samaritans UK
Don’t worry if you’re not a big tea or coffee drinker, or you’re reading this after 2022’s Blue Monday has been and gone, as Samaritans stresses that the campaign is not really about that – it’s more about connecting and really listening to each other.
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“We know how powerful listening can be,” said Lynn Sbaih – Branch Director at Stockport Samaritans.
“As we enter another winter in these difficult times, we are encouraging people to look out for their family, friends and work colleagues and be that listening ear that they might just need.
📢 Pop the kettle on, crack open the biscuits, and reach for your favourite mug because there's only ONE WEEK until #BrewMonday 📢
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Monday morning or Thursday night, or if you’re drinking lemonade, black coffee or apple juice, if you’re sharing a cup of something and listening, you’re making a difference to someone’s day.”
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Stockport Samaritans will be at Stockport railway station from 7am to 9am on 17th January – known as 2022’s Blue Monday – where they will be handing out teabags, talking to passengers about the importance of reaching out, and providing listening tips, while Bury Samaritans will be spreading the Brew Monday warmth with tea bag deliveries at local food banks.
Support is also available at Manchester & Salford Samaritans, Bolton Samaritans, and Rochdale Samaritans, both this Blue Monday and all year round.
Stockport Samaritans will be at Stockport railway station from 7am this Blue Monday / Credit: Twitter (@stockportsams)
“Listening helps us build relationships, be there for others, and it can save lives,” Lynn added.
“Through our event, we hope that we can help more people to support others who may need a listening ear.”
You can join the conversation using #BrewMonday, and find more information here.
Featured Image – Unsplash
Manchester
The unassuming £2.5m Chorlton semi packed with period features AND a ‘spectacular’ indoor swimming pool
Emily Sergeant
Fancy a look inside a somewhat unassuming semi in Chorlton that’s packed with period features and even has an indoor swimming pool?
The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £2.5 million before you can call it yours.
Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £2.5 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now, but if like us, you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
Take a look behind the front door of what is, by far, one of the finest properties the Greater Manchester housing market has to offer at the moment, even it if doesn’t appear that way from the front.
This unassuming £2.5m Chorlton semi is packed with period features / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
Described as being ‘incredibly impressive’ by estate agents, this five-bedroom period semi on High Lane in the ever-popular Manchester suburb of Chorlton – loved for its eclectic mix of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as good local schooling options and connections to the city centre – boasts 5,000 sq ft of immaculately presented living space, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury.
The property has retained ‘superb’ period features throughout, with everything from stained-glass windows and featured fireplaces worth shouting about.
While character and charm is a huge part of what makes this property so special, the current owners have also done a brilliant job in making sure the home is perfect for modern-day living too – with an open-plan dining kitchen installed with high-specification appliances, an entertainment/cinema room, office space, and even a steam room.
The accommodations are immaculately presented throughout / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
Upstairs, there are five good-sized bedrooms, each having been thoughtfully decorated, and two stylish bathroom suites finished to an ‘exceptional’ standard.
One of the bedrooms on the first floor features a contemporary three piece shower, utility room, and an impressive balcony that overlooks the rear garden.
But, one of the property’s standout features, by far, is the spectacular indoor swimming pool that comes complete with a shower and W/C.
Stepping outside you’ll find the property is just as impressive as it is inside / Credit: Gascoigne Halman
Once you take a step outside, you’ll find the property is just as impressive as it is inside.
The generous landscaped garden is beautifully maintained, with two separate patio areas and a high degree of privacy, and there’s also a secure gated driveway that provides ample off-road parking space for multiple vehicles, as well as a garage at the rear.
Like what you see then? The property is currently on the market with the Disbury branch of local independent estate agents, Gascoigne Halman, for £2.5 million and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy on Rightmove here.
Featured Image – Gascoigne Halman
Manchester
Police charge and name man after broad daylight stabbing of 19-year-old in Northern Quarter
Emily Sergeant
A man has been charged and publicly named after the stabbing of a teenager in the Northern Quarter last week.
Bandar Alzahar has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place, and has been remanded in custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Manchester & Salford Magistrates Court today (Monday 3 August 2026).
The charges come after a 19-year-old man was stabbed in the Northern Quarter, in Manchester city centre, last Friday (31 July).
The shocking incident took place in broad daylight at around 12:50pm on Church Street.
After police attended the scene, they ‘quickly located’ a suspect – initially described as just being a man in his early 20s – at Manchester Airport within three hours of the incident occurring, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault.
The victim sadly remains in hospital in a stable condition but with life-threatening injuries, police have confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are still appealing to the public for information. In a public plea, police wrote: “We are still asking for information from anyone that may have witnessed the incident on Church Street to get in touch with us.
“This includes any CCTV, mobile phone or Dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries.”
Any information can be submitted to GMP by calling 101, quoting log 1580 of 31/07/2026. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
14th January 2022 
