'Share what's on your mind'

Vic Reeves is fronting a new ad campaign for the Samaritans.

He has worked with Purple Ronnie creator Giles Andreae on a series of seven short animations encouraging people to talk through their concerns.

Thecampaign has been released today, which is often dubbed Blue Monday after a travel firms PR team used a phoney scientific equation to identify the third Monday in January as 'the most depressing day of the year'.

Samaritans chiefs are trying to rename the day 'Brew Monday' to 'encourage friends, colleagues, neighbours and family members to share what's on their mind over a simple cuppa.'

The videos, to be released on social media over the day, feature Andreae's alter-ego Edward Monkton

Andreae, who has previously written about his experience of depression said:  'If depression has taught me one thing, it is this: what a rare and beautiful treasure is the simple human gift of joy. For me now, joy - our capacity to delight in one another and in the world - is the reason why we are here. It is as simple as that. And I feel compelled to spread the word.'

Here is one of the videos:

• The Samaritans are on 116 123 – a free number that doesn't show up on your phone bill. Or email jo@samaritans.org.

Published: 16 Jan 2017