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Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) will be held from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th October 2026. This year's theme is "Belonging Matters".
Belonging is all about feeling connected. It is a fundamental part of our wellbeing and plays an important role in maintaining good mental health.
Research shows that a strong sense of belonging is closely linked to better mental health outcomes. Supportive relationships, connection to community, and trust in others all contribute to improved wellbeing and overall health. However, for many people, these social connections are becoming harder to maintain.
Loneliness and social isolation can only be addressed if we all play a part. Everyone deserves to feel connected and experience the positive impact that belonging can have on mental health. But when you're feeling lonely or isolated, taking the first step can be difficult. Often, the solution is created through communities, schools and workplaces that help people feel welcomed, valued, and included.
The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand to take one small action to connect with someone else. Whether it's saying, “Ata mārie,” to someone you pass on the street, helping a neighbour with their bins, inviting a friend over for a cup of tea, or simply checking in with someone you haven't spoken to in a while. These small intentional acts of connection can make a real difference!
Here are some active ways to connect with your community:
- Join a local club, sports team, gym or exercise class to get active and meet new people.
- Connect with the whenua | land and others by getting into the great outdoors - such as going on a bush walk, surfing or mountain biking.
- Take a family walk after dinner or on the weekend. You could even have a family dance-off!
- Create a team to participate in a fun run/walk raising money for charity.
- Start or join a walking bus for school children.
- Organise a sports match or tournament in your workplace.
- Get involved with a local community garden.
Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week, including how to register for updates and ways you can get involved.