Belonging Matters: Connection, Community and Wellbeing
By Stephanie Chadd
Senior Operations Manager, Wellness Support Team, Tamaki Health
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you belonged?
Maybe it was with friends, whānau, teammates, work colleagues, or a group of people who just seemed to understand what you were going through. It is a simple feeling, but it can make a big difference to how we see ourselves, how we cope with life's challenges, and how we experience wellbeing.
This year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme, Belonging Matters1, reminds us of something many of us instinctively know: we all need connection. Feeling connected to others is not just nice to have. It is a fundamental part of being human and an important contributor to both mental and physical health.
Unfortunately, many people in our community are feeling increasingly disconnected. The Mental Health Foundation reports that loneliness has increased in New Zealand over the past decade, and more people are reporting feeling lonely some or most of the time2.
Working in our GP clinics, we see this every day.
We meet people who are struggling with anxiety, low mood, grief, long-term health conditions, parenting challenges, life transitions, or stress. While everyone's circumstances are different, one thing often sits quietly in the background: a lack of meaningful connection.
Many people tell us they feel alone in what they are experiencing.
They believe nobody else understands.
They withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.
They lose confidence in reaching out.
Over time, this isolation can have a significant impact on wellbeing.
We know through research that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety, poorer physical health, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, and even a greater risk of dementia in later life. Health New Zealand notes that social isolation can impact both mental and physical health and is associated with poorer health outcomes across multiple conditions3.
International research paints a similar picture. Age UK's 2024 report found that persistent loneliness is associated with a 29% increased risk of coronary heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 25% increased risk of developing dementia. The report also found that nine out of ten older adults who were frequently lonely reported feeling unhappy or depressed4.
While these statistics are concerning, there is another side to the story.
Connection helps.
Belonging helps.
People do better when they feel part of something.
When people feel connected, they are more likely to seek support, engage in healthy behaviours, build resilience, and cope more effectively with difficult situations. Strong social relationships provide encouragement during hard times and remind us that we do not have to face challenges alone.
This is one of the reasons group programmes are such an important part of the work we do within the Wellness Support Team.
Although groups often focus on developing skills, increasing knowledge, or supporting recovery, the benefits go far beyond the programme content itself.
Groups also create opportunities for people to meet others who have had similar experiences. They provide a space where people can share their challenges without fear of judgement. They allow people to learn from each other, celebrate successes together, and realise that they are not alone.
Often, the most valuable thing people take away from a group is not a worksheet or a new technique.
It is the realisation that someone else understands.
That there are other people facing similar struggles.
That support exists.
That they belong.
Across the Wellness Support Team, we are fortunate to offer a diverse range of groups that create opportunities for people to connect, learn and grow together. Whether someone joins our Self-Management Education (SME) programme, the shorter Manage Better Together series, our eight-week Aotearoa Mindfulness and Acceptance (AMA) group, or Mindful Mums sessions; whether a child takes part in Seasons for Growth to navigate grief and loss, a man finds strength and support through our Men's Group, a rangatahi builds resilience in our Youth Coping Skills Group, or someone develops practical wellbeing strategies through Wise Minds DBT Skills, they are becoming part of something bigger than a programme.
They are joining a community. A community where people share experiences, build confidence, develop new skills, and support one another through life's challenges. In these spaces, connection becomes a powerful catalyst for wellbeing, helping people feel seen, understood, and less alone on their journey.
Even small acts of connection can make a meaningful difference. Taking time for a conversation, checking in on a neighbour, inviting someone to join an activity, or simply letting another person know they matter can strengthen belonging and reduce loneliness. Funny thing is even doing something nice for someone else can actually boost your own sense of wellbeing.
Belonging is built through everyday moments.
A welcoming smile.
A shared cup of coffee.
A conversation in a waiting room.
A text message asking how someone is doing.
An invitation to join a group.
These seemingly small actions can have a lasting impact.
This upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week in October, I encourage everyone to think about their own connections and the connections of those around them.
Who helps you feel supported?
Who makes you feel like you belong?
Is there someone in your life who may be feeling isolated and could benefit from a simple check-in?
Could joining a group help you build new connections and strengthen your wellbeing?
The evidence is clear that social connection matters. But more importantly, our everyday experiences tell us the same thing.
We all want to feel valued • We all want to feel included • We all want to know that we matter
Because when people feel they belong, wellbeing grows. And stronger connections create stronger individuals, stronger whānau, and stronger communities.
If you feel like you would like to know more about our groups or to access wellbeing support visit our website to find out how you can join one of our group programmes or get more connected through our other wellbeing support services.