More than 10,000 people are being invited to bounce for free at a Croydon trampoline park.
Oxygen Activeplay is opening all 12 of its venues, including Croydon, to the public for free on January 20, also known as Blue Monday.
The day is said to be the most depressing day of the year due to the long nights and post-Christmas deflation.
(Image: OXYGEN ACTIVEPLAY)
However, Oxygen Activeplay is hoping to tackle the day’s reputation by opening its doors to more than 10,000 people.
This comes as research led by Professor Helen Dodd from the University of Exeter indicates that adventurous play, which generates feelings of excitement and thrill, has positive effects on children’s mental health.
The study shows that prolonged adventurous play can benefit mood and decrease signs of anxiety or depression.
They also host ‘neon nights’ (Image: OXYGEN ACTIVEPLAY)
Professor Dodd said: “Our research shows that the more time children spend playing adventurously, the fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression they have, and the happier they are.
“It is brilliant to see that Oxygen centres are offering free sessions, open to all, at a time of year when children and their parents might be feeling low and children might be in need of some adventurous play.”
Oxygen Activeplay will host nine hour-long sessions throughout the day at each of its venues, including Croydon.
These will be completely free of charge and available to book via the Oxygen website.
The Croydon park features a parkour area and a battle beam, along with dozens of interconnected trampolines, a mega airbag, an ultimate dodgeball arena, and soft play areas for toddlers.
Natasha Waterfield, chief operating officer of Oxygen Activeplay, said: “Giving families up and down the country a space to play and have big-time fun is our mission at Oxygen, so we’re tackling Blue Monday head-on and making it a day where 10,000 people can jump for joy instead.”