Mental Health Foundation asks people to build belonging this week

Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 12 to 18 October 2026 with the theme Belonging Matters, and it asks people to look out for one another.

The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand has run the week since 1993. Its chief executive, Shaun Robinson, wrote in The Post that connection is something each of us can help create every day.

“Belonging is a public health issue,” said Shaun Robinson, the foundation’s chief executive.

Robinson wrote that positive social connection supports wellbeing and helps reduce stress. When connection is missing, loneliness and isolation can become serious risks to people’s health.

Why the foundation is raising it

Robinson pointed to Stats NZ wellbeing data, which shows many New Zealanders experience loneliness at least some of the time. Young people are among those most affected.

Te Hiringa Mahara, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, has reported that psychological distress has increased over the past decade. It remains higher for some groups, including Māori, women, disabled people and young people.

Robinson also wrote that exclusion can harm mental health when people are made to feel they do not belong. The article lists racism, prejudice, disability, poverty, sexuality and gender identity among the reasons.

There is a hopeful side too. Robinson described Aotearoa as a country of clubs, teams, marae, faith communities, volunteer groups, school communities and local networks.

Small things to try

The foundation suggests smiling at someone, checking in on a neighbour and inviting someone into a conversation. It also suggests learning a greeting in another language and making room for someone who might otherwise be left out.

The campaign site also lists Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Give, Be Active, Take Notice and Keep Learning. It describes them as small, practical actions for home, school and work.

Robinson added that small actions will not solve every mental health challenge. Strong services, fair policies and practical support are still needed.

How to take part

The Mental Health Awareness Week website offers an activation plan, which is a simple, flexible schedule for a school, workplace, home or community space. It also has guides for workplaces, schools and communities.

People can submit their own event, explore events near them or order a free event pack for a workplace or school. A mailing list sends out the latest news.

Listed events include the Big Morning Run on 16 October 2026 at multiple locations. The Lost Lagoon Park Run on the West Coast is on 17 October 2026, and FluroFest 2026 in the Bay of Plenty is on 18 October 2026.

A Mental Health Awareness Gig is planned in Auckland on 31 October 2026. The campaign has support from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.