Club Med installs SAD lamp on South Bank
The company commissioned research showing six in 10 Britons experience 'sun withdrawal' after clocks go back.
News London evidence indexOpen analysis ▾
Trust 64: only one independent report, but includes named Club Med director and specific poll figures.
Higher is stronger
Critic 80: gives reasons, quotes and specifics, yet reads like a press release, losing points.
Higher is stronger
Hype 30: headline is click‑baity but body stays promotional without excessive sensationalism.
Lower is better
A large, illuminated SAD lamp has been installed by Club Med in Bernie Spain Gardens on London’s South Bank. The installation aims to provide a temporary source of brightness as daylight hours shorten following the return to Greenwich Mean Time. The company commissioned research that suggests six in 10 Britons experience 'sun withdrawal' when the clocks go back.
Research Findings on Daylight and Mood
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The poll of 2,000 adults, as reported by Ham & High and other sister titles, found that 45% of Britons long for warmer temperatures once they disappear, particularly after a summer with significant sunshine. Almost three in 10 (29%) are now booking or planning a sunny autumn or winter escape due to fears of 'sun withdrawal'. Additionally, 75% of those surveyed believe a week of guaranteed sun would positively impact their mood. The research also highlighted that 83% of people consider access to natural daylight and sunshine important for their wellbeing, with 40% describing it as 'very important'.
Jérémie Hoss, managing director for Northern Europe & South Africa at Club Med, stated that as days darken, people seek ways to lift their spirits and dedicate more time to themselves. He added that whether finding calm moments locally or booking a winter escape, making time for wellbeing becomes more significant. Hoss said Club Med wanted to bring a dose of sunshine to Londoners when they most need it, offering them the freedom to switch off and recharge.
January was identified as the toughest month for mood and wellbeing by 35% of respondents, followed by November (12%) and February (10%). To combat lower spirits, 42% of people take walks outdoors during daylight hours, while 38% watch TV or films, and 37% spend time with friends and family. More than one in five (21%) research or plan holidays for a seasonal boost, with 19% going further and booking a getaway, according to OnePoll figures.
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Autumn Getaway Competition
For those considering a break, Spain was the most popular destination for autumn sunshine, chosen by 41% of respondents. Greece followed at 28%, then Portugal at 27%, Sicily at 24%, and the South of France at 16%. Factors influencing booking decisions included more affordable prices (36%), guaranteed warm weather (35%), and having plans to look forward to (3%). More than three quarters (77%) agreed that having a holiday booked provides something positive to anticipate during winter.
Club Med is offering a chance to win an all-inclusive holiday to the Seychelles, which includes flights, dining, drinks, and activities. Entries for this competition are submitted online and the closing date is 31 October. Hoss commented that while a winter escape offers more than a change of scenery, planning it should not add to everyday pressures, emphasizing the luxury of having the freedom to spend time as one chooses.
Questions this report answers
+Why has Club Med installed a SAD lamp on the South Bank?
Club Med installed a giant SAD lamp in Bernie Spain Gardens on London's South Bank to provide a temporary source of brightness as daylight hours decrease. This initiative is linked to research commissioned by the company which indicates that six in 10 Britons experience 'sun withdrawal' after the clocks go back.
+What does the research say about Britons' feelings after the clocks go back?
Research commissioned by Club Med found that six in 10 Britons experience 'sun withdrawal' when daylight hours shorten. Almost three in 10 people are planning or booking a sunny escape due to this, and 75% believe a week of guaranteed sun would positively affect their mood.
+How can people win a holiday to the Seychelles?
Club Med is running a competition to win an all-inclusive holiday to the Seychelles, which covers flights, dining, drinks, and activities. Entries for this competition must be submitted online, and the deadline for submissions is 31 October.
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