Canterbury College reclaims Blue Monday

Students and staff at Canterbury College spread the happiness when they led a national campaign to beat Blue Monday.

Led by its very own Blue Man, the College hosted a series of events to combat the effects of what is termed the most depressing day of the year. There was magic, music, free food, a special chill-out zone and more at the New Dover Road campus on Monday, January 16.

The popular event was run by the College’s award-winning Students’ Union. Students’ Union manager Tony Payne explained: “The campaign is about changing the perception of a day seen as the most depressing date of the year. By holding events we gave people a reason to be cheerful. It’s a great cause which aims to put a smile on people’s faces at time when they really need it. It’s a fun event for the students to get involved with, and one which reaches out to the wider community as well.”

Students and staff enjoyed blue candy floss in exchange for posting positive messages on a communal wall. They were also treated to free cakes, all keeping with the blue theme. Magician Dazzling Darren was on hand to impress onlookers with a series of illusions including seemingly cutting off his own arm, and some students also took part in a question and answer session with Jeremy Gilley, founder of the ceasefire charity Peace One Day, via video link.

Students were keen to spread the message.

Ray Thompson, 18, a Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts student, said: “It seems to have created a positive atmosphere and it seems to be spreading. I think the message behind the campaign is great. If I go to university, I’ll definitely be encouraging them to hold Blue Monday events.”

Toby Esty, 17, who is studying a Level 3 BTEC in Music Technology, said: “It’s a good cause and giving out free cakes and candy floss seems to be a good way of spreading the message. I’m planning on doing my part and helping someone out.”

This year, Canterbury College took over managing Blue Monday from People United. The arts charity asked Canterbury College because of its links with colleges, universities and schools, and the fact the College has been a big supporter of Blue Mondaye vents in the past.

The National Union of Students (NUS), all of Kent’s Further Education colleges, KMFM, Filmclub, Foodcycle, Arts Agenda and Two Joy for Art were just some of those following Canterbury College’s lead by holding their own Blue Monday activities.

To find out more about what went on and how to get involved in future, go to www.bluemonday.org join the Blue Monday Facebook group at www.facebook.com/bluemonday2011 or become a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/blue_mondays.