Samaritans is encouraging Leeds to have ‘a cuppa and a catch-up’ this Blue Monday
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 back today to promote “how powerful listening can be”, not just on Brew Monday, but all year round.
Local volunteers are promoting “how powerful listening can be” by urging people 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 nation 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.
Samaritans’ annual ‘Brew Monday’ campaign is keen to promote how powerful listening can be / Credit: Samaritans UK
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
The Bluebird Bakery in Acomb is hosting a Brew Monday event in honour of the occasion, but there are plenty of virtual events going on around the country too.
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds named one of the best places to stay in the UK
Danny Jones
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
The Hoot -
17th January 2022 
