News
Brew Monday 2023
This Brew Monday, 16 January, Samaritans is reminding everyone to reach out for a cuppa and a catch-up with the people you care about.
Why 'Brew Monday'?
The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ but this is a myth. At Samaritans we know there’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ – we all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide.
So we say it's time to stop this myth about Monday being 'blue' and instead start a conversation over a brew! Reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.
We can always make time for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange juice. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.
Everything you need to have a Brew Monday
With our downloadable resources
How to be a good listener
Once someone starts to share how they’re feeling, it’s important to listen. This could mean not offering advice, not trying to identify what they’re going through with your own experiences and not trying to solve their problems.
For more suggestions about how to be a good listener, take a look at our SHUSH active listening tips and our little tips to help someone open up.
Samaritans volunteer has a virtual catch up for Brew Monday. Photo credit: Abbie Trayler-Smith
Hosting a Brew Monday event
Have a Brew Monday, any Monday, or a day that’s good for you.
You can host your own Brew Monday event, virtually or in person, however you want. You could organise a tea party and raise money for Samaritans, host an online Brew Monday at work, or even do something as simple as picking up the phone and checking in with someone you care about.
Physiotherapy Self Referral System Restarted
The Edinburgh Community Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal Out-Patient Service has restarted their self-referral process, so patients can submit their own self-referral form if they feel they need to seek help with a musculoskeletal issue.
The service is available to those aged 16 years or over, to request ROUTINE out-patients physiotherapy. If you consider your problem to be urgent then you will need to be referred from your GP.
The service should be used to refer yourself for ONE problem only. They are not able to accept self-referrals for multiple, unrelated problems. For that, please speak to your GP.
To access the forms, and more information on the service, use the link, or scan the QR code, below:
https://services.nhslothian.scot/ECPS/Pages/SelfReferral.aspx
It’s not currently possible to email the completed forms back to the service, so you need to be able to print them and post them to the address detailed in the form. If you don’t have access to a printer then you can pick up a copy of the referral form from the Practice reception.
For advice and self-care information that can help muscle and joint problems, visit www.nhsinform.scot.
