Leeds mental health charity sets out to banish ‘saddest day of the year’ myth  

Monday 20th January marks Multicoloured Monday, Leeds Mind’s campaign to dispel the myth of Blue Monday – supposed ‘saddest day of the year’.  

The Leeds-based charity is calling on Leeds residents, workplaces, schools and communities to mark the day with their brightest outfits and some colourful fundraising for mental health services across the city.  

Blue Monday, which typically falls on the third Monday of January, is based on a dubious formula that links post-holiday blues, cold weather, and other seasonal factors to an increase in mental health struggles. The ‘science’ behind Blue Monday has been widely criticised but the myth of the ‘saddest day of the year’ still features frequently in marketing campaigns and advertising.  

Leeds Mind wants to spread the message that mental health challenges are not dictated by a day on the calendar – anyone can struggle with mental health at any time of year, for many different reasons.  

To help the charity amplify the message, a range of local partners are getting involved. Trinity shopping centre will be lit up in rainbow colours on Multicoloured Monday, and you can find the Leeds Mind team in the shopping centre 10am – 4pm. 

Keep your eyes peeled for rainbow lights elsewhere across the city centre, at locations including The Queen’s Hotel and St John’s Shopping Centre. 

The Queen’s Hotel will also be hosting a coffee handout on New Station Street City Square between 8am and 10am, in partnership with North Star Coffee Roasters. 

In the afternoon, Leeds Piano Trail, part of the Leeds International Piano Competition, will be playing live at Leeds Bus Station, 1pm – 3pm. 

Multicoloured Monday offers an antidote to the negative stereotypes by encouraging everyone to add a splash of colour to their day and to reflect on the many ways we can support our mental wellbeing, every day of the year. 

Sophie Westmoreland, Corporate and Events Fundraiser for Leeds Mind, said: “We believe that mental health should be talked about every day, not just on specific days. Rather than falling into the myth of Blue Monday, we’re encouraging people to celebrate Multicoloured Monday, where we recognise the diversity of emotions and experiences we all face. It’s a time to be kind to ourselves, support each other, and make mental health a priority, not just in January, but every day.” 

Multicoloured Monday is a chance to reflect on how we can take care of our mental health and reduce pressure to feel a certain way at a certain time. To take part, the charity encourages everyone to: 

• Wear something colourful with a suggested donation of £2 
• Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues and cultivate conversations about mental health. 
• Share positive messages and colourful pics on social media to spread hope and strength. 
• Fundraise for Leeds Mind with exciting activities, to help the charity continue to offer invaluable mental health services across Leeds. 

Funds raised for Leeds Mind will go directly to mental health services offered in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area, including young people’s services, counselling , financial wellbeing services and suicide bereavement support.  

Join us on Monday 20th January for Multicoloured Monday as we work towards making mental health a priority all year long.