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Islanders are being encouraged to brighten their day by watching lunchtime choir performances in town and chatting over tea on what's been described as the most depressing day of the year.
Taking place on the third Monday of every January, Blue Monday is seen as a time when people’s mood may have dipped – as the festive season is over, bills may have arrived, payday is still some way off, the weather is gloomy, and New Year resolutions may have been shelved.
This year’s Blue Monday also coincides with cost of living pressures, meaning that challenges faced by many people in winter will be felt even more acutely.
But charity Samaritans and bank Skipton International have launched separate initiatives to transform Blue Monday into a positive experience tomorrow.
The Samaritans have dubbed it the more positive 'Brew Monday' and are encouraging islanders to make a cup of tea and chat with friends, family, or colleagues—whether in person, on the phone, or online.
The charity said: "Brew Monday is a lovely way to check in with the people you care about – and share a biscuit or two."
The Jersey Samaritans are also hosting a 'Wellbeing in the Workplace' presentation between 13:00 and 14:00 at the Santander Work Café, and are encouraging businesses to nominate a representative to join.
Pictured: Charity injects ‘positivi-tea’ into what has been described as the most depressing day of the year.
Separately, an offshore bank is transforming 'Blue Monday' into 'Purple Monday' – associating the colour with positivity and the Skipton International branding.
They will be partnering with Kezia's Fund, a funding pot for mental health and wellbeing initiatives created in memory of 14-year-old Kezia Mason, who lost her life to suicide in 2022.
Skipton International aims to uplift islanders' spirits with a lunchtime performance by music charity and choir Aureole – who will perform on King Street outside Paperchase between 12:00 and 13:00.
Skipton International launched the ‘Purple Monday’ initiative last year by putting up uplifting signs around St Helier displaying short inspirational quotes.
UK singing teacher and Tiktoker James B Partridge, known for nostalgic Primary School tunes, will be supporting the choir.
He said: “Music is such a powerful way to enhance your mood and lift the spirits, and so when Skipton International approached me for ‘Purple Monday’, I didn’t hesitate to offer my support to promote the joyful impact of music and share the message that you are never alone.”
Pictured: Skipton International will be raising money for Kezia's Fund, a funding pot for mental health and wellbeing initiatives created in memory of 14-year-old Kezia Mason.
Jim Coupe, Chief Executive Officer of Skipton International, said: “We’re pleased we can once again bring back “Purple Monday” and support the community with their mental and physical wellbeing, this time using the wonderful musical talent we have on our islands.
“Loneliness and anxiety are important issues that many struggle with in the Channel Islands, so if we can bring joy and a smile to people's faces on this typically dreary day, and raise awareness for the charities, that’s fantastic.”
A quarter of adults frequently feel lonely, as revealed by a recent islandwide survey conducted by Statistics Jersey.
This data was revealed in the latest Opinions and Lifestyle Survey by Statistics Jersey, where 1,500 people answered various questions on island life.
The results showed that 48% of those who rarely socialised outside their household reported feeling lonely, whereas those who socialised daily outside their household reduced to 19% of adults feeling lonely.
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