Mental Health Awareness Week: Why is this year focused on connection?

Mental Health Awareness Week is set to get underway for another year, with this year's theme being 'Belonging Matters.' 

More Kiwis are reporting feeling lonelier than ever, according to new data - and schools, workplaces and other communities are being encouraged to give people opportunities to connect. 

Mental Health Foundation CEO Shaun Robinson says economic troubles, global tension and lack of trust are pushing us all away from each other.

"That has created a climate of blame, and finger-pointing - we know that there are worsening levels of trust around the world and that is also affecting New Zealand. All of that tends to push people away from one another."

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