Blue Monday is a Celebration in Newry, Mourne and Down

Over 200 residents gathered at Killeavy Castle, Newry, and the Millbrook Lodge, Ballynahinch, for groundbreaking ‘Blue Monday’ events, aimed at addressing household finances, managing credit, and learning effective shopping and saving strategies.

The 20 January events, organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council District Electoral Area (DEA) Fora, were funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This is part of a £5.9m Multiply fund being managed by the Department for the Economy. The events focused on equipping participants with practical financial skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing economic landscape. Attendees learnt through engaging workshops, expert talks, and interactive sessions, while fostering a sense of community and support.

Speaking about the event, Newry, Mourne an Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byre,

“The Multiply programme which includes events like Blue Monday play a crucial role in empowering residents across our district to bring Maths into their everyday lives by giving them the tools they need to manage their finances and build confidence in their financial decisions.

I especially enjoyed hosting the 1% quiz at the event, with questions showing that maths can be fun and interesting. These events are a shining example of how we can support local communities through education and collaboration.”

The success of Blue Monday reflects the growing demand for accessible financial education. Many participants left with newfound confidence in their ability to budget, save, and manage credit, as well as a greater understanding of the importance of mindful spending. The Department for the Economy’s Multiply Programme played a pivotal role in making the events a reality, demonstrating its commitment to fostering financial literacy and inclusion across Northern Ireland.