Day of free and uplifting activities to be held at Grimsby community hub to put positive spin on 'Blue Monday'

A community hub on Grimsby's East Marsh is holding a day of fun and uplifting activities for members of the public on what is supposedly the most depressing day of the year.

Blue Monday is a name given to the third Monday in January and is referred to as the most depressing day of the year, associated with feelings of sadness, low motivation and a lack of energy.

But The Canopy Community Hub, situated in Grant Thorold Park, has put a positive spin on the annual event, re-naming it "Happy Monday" and hosting an array of free activities for anyone to come and enjoy on Monday (January 20) to boost their mental health and wellbeing.

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The Canopy owner Michelle Cook told Grimsby Live: "Blue Monday is supposedly the most depressing day of the year and named by a holiday company as a marketing ploy to encourage people to book holidays but for many it becomes an anticipation of a day full of dread with people thinking, 'If I’m feeling a bit low today then what will Monday feel like?'.

"Many have had a long financial month with some being paid early in December, overspending at Christmas, breaking New Year’s resolutions and of course the long dark days that winter brings do not help. We aim to change that here at The Canopy and have renamed the day Happy Monday and filled tomorrow with lovely activities and visitors to help blow away the winter blues.

"We’d like as many people as possible to come along and share a day of fun, conversation, relaxation and lovely food. All activities are free."

The programme of events is as follows:

• 10am - 11am - Rachel from Skin Focus Beauty will be offering relaxing and soothing hand massages to sooth away the tensions of the day

• 10am - 12pm - Andy’s Man Club facilitators offering a cuppa and a chat

• 11am - Paint a pebble activity for art enthusiasts

• 12pm - Blueberry muffin baking session for any keen bakers

• 1pm - All eyes down for a game of Bingo