Local mental health charity challenges the 'Blue Monday' myth.

Leeds Mind is running 'Multicoloured Monday' on 19 January to counter the marketing-origin myth of 'Blue Monday'; charity staff will be at Trinity Shopping Centre from 12pm–3pm with activities and musical accompaniment from the Leeds Piano Trail.

Leeds Mind is promoting 'Multicoloured Monday' on Monday 19 January as an alternative to the idea that the third Monday in January is the "saddest day of the year." The charity says the Blue Monday concept is based on a dubious formula and began as a marketing campaign. Leeds Mind wants to stress that mental health challenges can affect anyone at any time and should be discussed throughout the year. The event aims to encourage more meaningful, ongoing conversations about mental health. Key details: - Event date and time: Monday 19 January, with staff present at Trinity Shopping Centre from 12pm to 3pm. - Activity format: Leeds Mind will offer conversations and activities intended to bring brightness and start discussions about mental health. - Musical element: The event will take place alongside the Leeds Piano Trail, with musicians providing a soundtrack for the day. - Organiser comment: Marie-Louise Robinson, Corporate and Events Fundraiser for Leeds Mind, said mental health can strike at any time and that the campaign aims to make mental health a regular topic of conversation. - Funding purpose: Funds raised will support Leeds and West Yorkshire mental health services, including young people’s services, counselling, financial wellbeing services and suicide bereavement support. Summary: Leeds Mind’s Multicoloured Monday seeks to push back against the Blue Monday marketing narrative and to frame mental health as an issue that matters year-round. The charity has scheduled a public presence at Trinity Shopping Centre on 19 January with activities and live music, and any funds raised will go to local mental health services.