REACH OUT to someone you care about this winter, organisations have urged.

Northern Rail has joined leading mental health charity Samaritans to encourage passengers and staff to reach out to someone they care about and connect over a virtual cuppa this winter for ‘Brew Monday’.

Today marks the national day, launched by Samaritans to encourage people not to struggle in silence.

Northern Rail is helping to spread the word with renowned children’s author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy creating an artwork of his beloved character The Mole, encouraging passengers to connect with a friend over coffee and cake.

The illustration will be displayed across the rail company’s digital station screens and on social media this week to reach passengers.

Julie Bentley, Samaritans’ CEO, said: “The challenges that many people face during this season have been felt even more acutely this year with the pandemic restrictions.

"At Samaritans, we know how powerful talking and listening, even if it is virtually, can be. It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a cup of tea, it’s about taking the time to really listen and supporting one another, which could potentially save a life.”

Brian Currie, people director at Northern, said: “Samaritans has trained many of our frontline staff to spot someone who might be vulnerable, giving them the confidence to simply start a conversation which could help save a life, so we’re encouraging staff and passengers to put that into practice this winter and connect over a socially-distanced brew.”