GroceryAid is urging convenience retailers and wider grocery colleagues to use this year’s Blue Monday (19 January) as a chance to seek help with money worries and emotional strain – rather than simply “endure” what is often dubbed the most depressing day of the year.
The charity, which provides free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support to grocery workers and their families, said the post-Christmas period can bring added pressure as credit card bills arrive and motivation dips.
As part of the message, GroceryAid highlighted the range of help available to the 2.6 million people working in the grocery industry, encouraging anyone struggling to reach out early – before problems escalate.
Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director at GroceryAid, said: “Blue Monday doesn’t have to be something people simply get through. It can be a moment to pause, reset and take that first step towards feeling more in control. At GroceryAid we see time and again how reaching out early – whether for financial help, emotional support or practical advice – can make a real difference.”
Grants and advice support
GroceryAid said colleagues should first check if they are eligible for a financial grant, pointing to the £4.6m provided in financial grants last year. The charity said support can help with issues including priority debts and reduced income linked to caring responsibilities.
It also urged workers to combine quick-impact help, such as grants, with longer-term tools to prevent future strain, including budgeting guidance and help managing bills. GroceryAid signposted additional free debt support from StepChange and MoneyHelper.
Mandi LeonardPhoto: Handout
Leonard added that workers should not wait until they are “at crisis point”, advising colleagues to speak to providers early about payment plans and to address mental health concerns before they grow.
The charity also encouraged workers to talk openly to friends and family and reiterated that seeking support should not be seen as “a handout”.
For more information, visit groceryaid.org.uk/get-help/ or call 08088 021 122.