Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign dedicated to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing across Aotearoa New Zealand. Running from 12 to 18 October, the week encourages people to prioritise their wellbeing, strengthen connections, and support one another through everyday actions. 

Mental wellbeing is an important part of our overall health. Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that even small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference to how we feel, cope, and thrive. 

Belonging Matters 

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, Belonging Matters, highlights the importance of feeling connected to the people, places, and communities around us. 

A sense of belonging helps us feel valued, supported, and included. Whether it’s spending time with whānau and friends, joining a local group, connecting through shared interests, or participating in community activities, these connections play an important role in supporting our wellbeing. 

When people feel that they belong, they are more likely to build resilience, feel supported during challenging times, and maintain positive mental health. The theme encourages all New Zealanders to strengthen existing connections and create opportunities for others to feel welcome and included. 

The Five Ways to Wellbeing 

Mental Health Awareness Week also encourages people to embrace the Five Ways to Wellbeing, simple actions that can help improve mental wellbeing every day: 

Me whakawhanaunga | Connect 
Spend time with whānau, friends, colleagues, and your community. 

Tukua | Give 
Share kindness, support others, or contribute to your community. 

Me aro tonu | Take Notice 
Be present in the moment and appreciate the world around you. 

Me ako tonu | Keep Learning 
Try something new, develop a skill, or challenge yourself. 

Me kori tonu | Be Active 
Move your body in ways you enjoy, whether that’s swimming, walking, exercising, or playing sport. 

Finding Belonging Through Community 

At our venue, we see the power of connection every day. 

Community spaces play an important role in wellbeing. They bring people together, create friendships, encourage healthy lifestyles, and provide a sense of belonging that can positively impact mental health. 

Simple Ways to Get Involved 

This Mental Health Awareness Week, consider taking a small step towards supporting your wellbeing: 

  • Reach out to a friend, family member, neighbour, or colleague. 
  • Join a local activity, group, or community event. 
  • Spend time moving your body through exercise or recreation. 
  • Volunteer or support a local organisation. 
  • Take a moment each day to appreciate the people and places around you. 
  • Invite someone to join you for a walk, swim, coffee, or catch-up. 

Small actions can help build stronger connections and healthier communities. 

Need Support? 

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. 

Lifeline Aotearoa 
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. 
Visit: www.lifeline.org.nz/services 

Depression NZ 
Information, support, and practical tools for people experiencing depression or anxiety. 
Visit: www.depression.org.nz 

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s Belonging Matters campaign, visit https://mhaw.nz/. 

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