Talk To Us Month: Stories Shared Over a Cuppa
Each July, Samaritans hold an awareness campaign called ‘Talk To Us Month’. Samaritans are a charity providing 24/7 mental health support by connecting trained volunteers directly with people who are struggling. During this month they seek to raise awareness for the service & to educate others about mental health struggles.
In July they also place a special highlight on the power of being a good listener for the people in your life. Lending an active, compassionate ear creates the space for talking openly & honestly about mental health. Even a short & simple conversation can be enough to make somebody feel seen, & can help to support good mental health in ourselves & others year round.
If our TEAm knows anything, it's that the cuppas & chats we share are important. Even though tea may not solve every challenge, it can be a nice way to spread happiness, to slow down, & to open up that ever-important, sometimes hard to find space for honest conversation.
We see it every day, whether we’re brewing one up for our customers, our loved ones, or even ourselves. To help raise awareness for Samaritans & the crucial work they do, we’ve decided to share some stories about moments where tea has opened space for self-care, conversation, & moments of joy. Here’s what our TEAm shared:
Roxie, Store Manager (She/They)
Cherry Bakewell Tea
Image description: An older man stands in a sunny kitchen in front of a window & white counters. He is wearing glasses & a long-sleeved blue button-up tucked into grey trousers. His mouth is open & he is happily presenting a Sapphire Blue Cold Brew bottle full of pink Cherry Bakewell tea with flair.
‘Sharing the joy of a cold brew Cherry Bakewell tea in cream soda! My father-in-law has recently got the all clear bell for prostate cancer, so we gathered together to celebrate, & this was his absolute favourite! From someone who isn’t a huge fan of tea, this was HUGE! Life is short; even if you get 100 years, there’s never too much time to spend with those you love. I always feel more energised when I spend time with friends and family who fill my cup, so to speak. Viva la TEA!’
Meg, Corporate & Community Relationships Manager (She/Her)
Dozy Girl Tea
Image description: Meg shows off her tea setup: a sticky chai pot full of Dozy Girl loose leaf tea, a silver perfect teaspoon, & an orange & pink mug with a painted block design as well as the words ‘a little more kindness’. There is a sieve on top of the mug, & behind the setup, an open package of Dozy Girl teabags.
‘My youngest Jonah, who is 17 years old, has been making me a cup of Dozy Girl tea nearly every evening for well over a year now. He even makes loose leaf too (after I showed him how to make it). I also have Dozy Girl teabags, in case he’s in a hurry, & he lets me know when I’m running low so I’m never completely out. It’s important for both of us as it’s a regular demonstration of love & care from him & it’s a lovely way for us to connect after busy days out at work & college. It also shows me that I have raised a kind human being who shares my values & has a deep understanding of the significance of those little traditions which help us shape our worlds, as well as the worlds we want to help make better for family & friends.’
Anonymous TEAm Member
Good Calmer Turmeric Tea
Image description: The tin for our Good Calmer Turmeric Tea. It has a pink herbal tea label, with the name in black & a description underneath which reads ‘calming cocoa, turmeric & ginger’.
‘Good Calmer is such a unique tea to me, a tea I associate with comfort & calmness. If I need to wind down at the end of a stressful day, it is always one I reach for. The process of making the tea is also quite soothing. The fact that it is a loose-leaf exclusive option makes brewing the tea more of a ritual. It helps to keep the mind focused on something simple, or even practice a bit of mindfulness for four minutes while it brews. I think part of why I associate this tea with comfort is that it was one of the very few things that could bring me that feeling when grieving for my late dog almost five years ago. Self-care is incredibly important not only in the more difficult times, but also to celebrate good times. I think it is very important to have that balance & find moments of joy wherever we can, even in simple things like making a cup of tea.’
Eleni, Tea Mixologist (She/Her)
Moondrop Dreams Tea
Image description: Eleni’s hand holds the handle of a round blue mug which says ‘you’re purrfect’ in black text. A grey sculpted cat rests on the rim with its eyes closed. Inside the mug is Moondrop Dreams Tea with milk. In the background, you can see a fluffy blue blanket & a cosy room.
‘Moondrop Dreams is my comfort evening cuppa. It’s the perfect choice for an evening as the lemon & lavender are calming, & I can enjoy it with milk which is even more comforting. I have it every night at around 8:30 when winding down & watching some TV, usually under a blanket & in the company of my partner & fluffy cat, Merlin. I have struggled with my mental health all my life, so [self-care & mental health awareness] is something that’s close to my heart. Although some people may see tea as just a drink, for me it is so much more; a glimmer [of happiness] & comfort in a difficult world.’
Vix, Production (She/Her)
Moondrop Dreams Tea
Image description: Vix’s cosy living room. There’s a navy blue couch in the middle with five pillows & a plaid blanket over the back. In front of it is a grey coffee table with a mug of tea & a potted succulent on top. To either side are a wooden side table & a bookshelf, both with plants on top. Hanging over the couch are three pictures, one of an illustrated flower, one of a road leading towards the mountains, & one of a guitar.
‘Moondrop Dreams has a nice flavour & makes me feel cosy & calm. I like sitting on the sofa enjoying one before bed, surrounded by my candles & plants. It’s especially nice if it’s raining outside. A nice moment of peace. Taking care of yourself is essential, as is finding that moment of peace. Even if it’s small, it can make a big difference.’
If you want to learn more about Samaritans & the incredible work they do have a look at their website, perhaps with a cup of tea in hand.
