#MHAW 2026 Belonging Matters -

Whakataukī Ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au – I am you, and you are me,

The theme of "Belonging Matters" for Mental Health Awareness Week 12-18 October 2026, reminds us that it's all the small actions we take to nurture a sense of belonging, that matter.

The week invites schools, workplaces and community groups across Aotearoa to intentionally create moments of connection and strengthen a sense of inclusion.

The goal?

To reduce loneliness and strengthen our connection to the communities we are part of.

People who report lower levels of loneliness are not only happier; they also experience better overall wellbeing. As the World Health Organisation reported in 2025, ‘the benefits of social connection are far-reaching’.

 'Social connection and community trust are recognised as some of the strongest protective factors against mental distress and loneliness.’ — Mental Health Foundation

At Skylight, we understand how important it is for people to feel seen and heard. Through our counselling and programmes, we work to build genuine connections and help our whaiora connect with their support systems. We provide a place not only to talk about the challenges they may be experiencing, but also to enjoy uplifting social experiences and have fun.

Our programmes also aim to foster deeper connections among the whaiora taking part. We hope to create a safe space for sharing, learning and fostering a stronger sense of self and wellbeing. We often get feedback that making new friends or being around people that ‘get it’ is the most important take away from the groups we run.

How can you get involved?

There are things that we can do this week and beyond, to feel connected to our community. In the workplace or school, you can put an event on, share kai or make space for kōrero. In the community, you can look at events that are on, go to community spaces and get involved, or simply smile and say hi to a neighbour.

The important thing is to focus on the small things and look for opportunities to make a connection.

So it is time to reach out, kōrero, connect, and maybe host an event for your kura, workplace, or community.

If you would like to be part of other events for the remainder of this week, the Mental Health Foundation has a list of what's on.

Resources are also available via the Mental Health Foundation website. 

World Mental Health Day is observed globally on the 10th of October.