Belonging matters: Mental Health Awareness Week

by Metropol | September 30, 2026 8:33 am

A sense of belonging isn’t just a nice feeling, it is foundational to our mental wellbeing, which is why the theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week from 12 to 18 October is Belonging Matters.

With loneliness on the rise, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) has announced that this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 aims to shine a light on connection and communities.

Running nationwide from 12 to 18 October, this year’s theme, Belonging Matters, invites schools, workplaces, and communities across Aotearoa to focus on small, everyday moments of connection that foster a genuine sense of inclusion and boost mental wellbeing.

Grounded in the whakataukī Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au – I am you, and you are me, the 2026 theme comes at a crucial time. Recent research highlights a growing challenge across Aotearoa of rising loneliness, declining trust and only 53% of New Zealanders feeling that their neighbourhood has a strong sense of community. This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week champions the premise that nurturing a sense of belonging is one of the most powerful protective factors for our mental health.

“Humans are social beings and being able to spend time with one another, connect and feel that we belong, is vital for our mental and emotional health,” says Shaun Robinson, chief executive of the MHF. “Connection works at many levels, whānau, friends, workplaces, schools, community, country.

It is a two-way street, we need to reach out, and we need to invite people in. This all builds connectedness, belonging, trust and wellbeing.”

Whether at school, work, or in local neighbourhoods, finding small ways to connect can make a world of difference. Belonging Matters because feeling connected to others reduces loneliness, strengthens self-confidence, and can provide valuable social support during hard times. From checking in on a mate and making time for a kōrero to reaching out to someone new, every action helps build stronger, more resilient communities.

Free downloadable resources and ideas for Mental Health Awareness Week are available now at mhaw.nz

The details:
What: Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 – Belonging Matters
When: 12-18 October 2026
Where: Everywhere across Aotearoa
Action: Reach out, kōrero, connect, host an event for your school, workplace, or community.
More info, how to get involved and free resources: visit mhaw.nz

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Research and insights about belonging in Aotearoa

• Community cohesion: Only 53% of New Zealanders agree that their neighbourhood has a strong sense
  of community.
• Foundational to wellbeing: A strong sense of belonging in schools, workplaces, and communities is directly linked to better mental wellbeing, including higher confidence, resilience, and life satisfaction.
• Protective factor: Social connection and community trust are recognised as some of the strongest protective factors against mental distress and loneliness.
• Impact of exclusion: Experiences of exclusion have a direct negative impact on wellbeing, particularly among rangatahi/young people, recent migrants, sole parents, and rainbow communities.
• Everyday connection: International research shows that performing small, weekly acts of connection and kindness in local neighbourhoods significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and strengthens community.
• Collective responsibility: Belonging and hope grow through safe, inclusive shared experiences, trusted places, and collective action.

References:
1. Stats NZ. (2023). Wellbeing statistics: 2023.
2. Edelman. (2026). Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report.
3. Helen Clark Foundation. (2026). Social cohesion in New Zealand 2026.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/belonging-matters-mental-health-awareness-week/

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