This year's Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) focuses on on the power of social connection.

Wellbeing isn’t just an individual journey. Together, we have a shared responsibility to uplift one another as we care for ourselves. 

Based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, the Top Up campaign shows that when we take the actions that top up our own mental meter, we can really feel the benefits – for ourselves and others too.   

Why together? Because the evidence is clear: a shared, community-based approach to wellbeing delivers lasting benefits. We’re excited to spread this message far and wide and encourage you to connect with others as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life. 

Social connection is essential to our wellbeing. It gives us purpose and a sense of belonging, helps us feel valued, and makes us happier and more secure. 

This Mental Health Awareness Week, look after your oranga by topping up together with the Five Ways to Wellbeing: 

Me whakawhanaunga / Connect.

Tukua / Give.

Me kori tonu / Be Active. 

Me aro tonu / Take Notice. 

Me ako tonu / Keep Learning. 

Have a look at this Mental Health Awareness Week webpage for resources you can use each day.

'Spring clean’ your wellbeing with the Five Ways

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple, proven actions we can regularly take to help us find balance and feel our best – they are Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Be Active. Have a think about the Five Ways and how you incorporate them into your day-to-day life. Are there any new wellbeing habits that you’d like to make?  Where do you see worship and prayer fitting into the Five Ways?

Embrace spring 

Now is a great time to get outside; visit your local park or botanic garden to see the flowers in bloom, go for a bush walk and breathe in the fresh air, or take a short stroll around your neighbourhood on a blue-sky day. See this as an opportunity to ‘take notice’ of your surroundings and be mindful of them. The change of seasons also means different fruits and vegetables are now in season – try making a meal based around spring vegetables. The stuff that’s in season also tends to be cheaper! 

Our Season of Creation resources give ideas for how individuals and Faith Communities can embrace creation at this time of the year.

For more tips, read the rest of our free guide here

Need to talk to someone? Call or Text  1737

• For a list of Counsellors and support agencies ring 0800 367 222 or search at www.cab.org.nz

• Emergency Mental Health Service support is also available at 0800 467 846: Press 1 for Southland and 2 for Otago Services.

• Youthline: 0800 376 633

• Don't forget you - or others you may be talking to - can also talk to your GP or a trusted person such as a Parish Priest.

Most of all - never underestimate the importance all of us play in asking after each other, taking time to listen, love and pray for those around us.