HR Insights: Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

🤝Top Up Together – Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week

At Business Canterbury, we know that people are at the heart of every thriving business. That’s why we’re proud to share and support the Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), running from 6–12 October 2025. This year’s theme, Top Up Together, is a timely reminder that wellbeing isn’t something we do alone,  it grows stronger when we connect with others.

About Mental Health Awareness Week

Since 1993, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) has been helping New Zealanders talk openly about mental wellbeing. Back then, these conversations were rare — today, they’re a core part of how we support ourselves, our whānau, and our workplaces.

This Year’s Theme -Top Up Together

Every year MHAW has a fresh theme to highlight the many different ways to wellbeing. In 2025, the focus is on connection: bringing the Five Ways to Wellbeing into our daily lives, not just individually but as a community. Research shows this shared approach has the most sustained, long-term impact on mental health.

Why Topping Up Together Matters

From volunteering and shared learning to cultural practices, exercise groups, and community events, the activities we do together often have the biggest impact. They give us purpose, belonging, and a sense of being valued.

Five Ways to Wellbeing – With a Kiwi Twist

1. 👀 Me aro tonu / Take Notice – Slow down, be present, and appreciate the small moments.

2. 💖 Tukua / Give – Acts of kindness don’t just lift others; they recharge you too.

3. 🏃‍♀️ Me kori tonu / Be Active – Movement boosts both energy and mood.

4. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑Me whakawhanaunga / Connect – Whanaungatanga is at the heart of wellbeing.

5. 📚 Me ako tonu / Keep Learning – Stay curious; growth fuels resilience.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and mine, the people will flourish.

A week to start something lasting

Mental Health Awareness Week is more than just seven days in October — it’s a springboard for building stronger connections in our workplaces and communities. By topping up together, we can create environments where people thrive and businesses grow.

For more information on MHAW and the five daily activities, click on the following link: Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

Looking to bring wellbeing into the heart of your workplace? Our HR Advisory team can help you find practical, people-focused ways to build resilience and connection at work.

👉 Contact Michael at michaelp@cecc.org.nz for tailored support.