A collective approach to wellbeing
Research shows that a shared, community-based approach to wellbeing delivers the most sustained long-term benefits.
The World Health Organization has released a report on Social Connection, which highlights the growing public threat of loneliness and social isolation and sets out a global agenda to address it. It identifies the widespread impact of disconnection on mental and physical health and offers actionable strategies for building more connected, healthier societies.
New Zealand Mental Health Awareness Week is 6-12 October and their 2025 theme is “Top Up Together.” Encouraging you to connect with others
Social connection is crucial for our wellbeing. It brings purpose and sense of belonging to our lives, helps us feel valued, and makes us happier and more secure. Evidence shows that activities involving social interaction matter — actions like volunteering, shared learning, physical activity, cultural practices, and community events consistently have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.
Look after your wellbeing by topping up together with the Five Ways to Wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week.
1. CONNECT / ME WHAKAWHANAUNGA
Connect, talk and listen – me kōrero, me whakarongo,
be there – me whakawātea i a koe,
feel connected – me rongo i te whanaungatanga.
2. GIVE / TUKUA
Give your time, your words, your presence; tukua te wā ki a koe, ō kupu, ko koe tonu.
3. BE ACTIVE / ME KORI TONU
Be active, do what you can – whāia te mea ka taea e koe,
enjoy what you do – kia pārekareka tāu i whai ai,
move your mood – kia pai ake ō piropiro.
4. TAKE NOTICE / ME ARO TONU
Take notice of the things around you, remember the simple things that give you joy – me aro tonu ki ngā mea māmā noa i ngākau harikoa ai koe.
5. KEEP LEARNING / ME AKO TONU
Keep learning and embrace new experiences, awhitia te wheako hou,
see opportunities – kimihia ngā ara hou,
surprise yourself – me ohorere koe i a koe anō.
This month our team will be taking a small wellbeing break to have a shared lunch. An opportunity for us to get together and connect as a team, to talk and listen; the simple joy of sharing food together which gives us joy.
For more information about New Zealand Mental Health Awareness week, click on the link to their website https://mhaw.nz/