This is why Samaritans were handing out free cups of tea on Blue Monday in Edinburgh

They asked workers to use the freebies to share a cup of tea with someone in their office who may be feeling lonely this January.

Samaritans have been handing out cups of tea at Waverley station to help morning commuters get through the hardest part of the day.

Charity volunteers spent this morning (Monday) giving tea bags to people on their way to work in the city.

They asked workers to use the freebies to share a cup of tea with someone in their office who may be feeling lonely this January.

This is why Samaritans were handing out free cups of tea on Blue Monday in Edinburgh

The Samaritans are trying to turn the blues into brews, by encouraging workmates in Edinburgh to have a chat over a brew with someone who may be feeling isolated.

Nigel, Edinburgh’s of Edinburgh Samaritans said that this campaign is something anyone can get involved in and has encouraged people to sit down with friends, family or colleagues for a hot cuppa this week.

He said: “During the cold and grey winter months, connecting with others over a cuppa can help weather the ups and downs of life.

“Anyone can hold a Brew Monday event at work, at home, wherever and whenever you like.

“All you need is a kettle and some mugs, and this could make a huge difference in someone’s life.”

The rail industry is also supporting the appeal with over 100 stations joining in Brew Monday.

Ian Stevens, Network Rail’s Suicide Prevention Program Manager said that this campaign allows the Samaritans to engage with people in need.

He said: “Brew Monday is a great opportunity for the rail industry to show its support for Samaritans and the fantastic work they do in helping people up and down the country.

“Millions of people use the rail network every day and if through this campaign we can encourage them to talk about their problems over a cup of tea, we will have made a significant contribution to their lives and to the lives of those around them.”

The event at Waverly was part of a national campaign against loneliness.

The Samaritans' dedicated volunteers stationed themselves at busy stations across Scotland to provide free PG Tips teabags to commuters passing through at rush hour across the country.

Samaritans will also support PG Tips on their new TV campaign, which will see the charity featured across national TV, Heart Radio and on Twitter and Facebook.