When New Zealand Management Academy students offered to give their time for a two-week telemarketing campaign for Pink Shirt Day, they got more than they bargained for.
Student Michael Williams (30) enjoyed the experience of working his way through a calling list and getting donations for Pink Shirt Day.
“But what I enjoyed most of all was getting to talk to the supporters. Most of them had really intricate stories and spent a lot of time talking about their own experiences with mental health.”
For the past two years, students studying for the New Zealand Management Academy’s (NZMA) contact centre level three national certificate have telemarketed Pink Shirt Day for the Mental Health Foundation.
“We wanted to help charities and help our students gain work experience at the same time,” NZMA tutor Niamh Kelly says.
The students have not only had an opportunity to practise their skills, but have learned about mental health in the process, Niamh says.
“I really feel there’s a really big misconception about mental health and it’s something I’m passionate about. The experience has opened their eyes, people telling them stories about how they have been affected by mental health.”
For Kairangi Marsters (32), not only did she gain confidence and improve her communication skills, she had no idea there were campaigns against bullying and for positive mental health.
Fellow student Meleofa Sekona (28) gained new insight and brought home some positive messages for her family.
“I have gained more confidence on the phone and realised how much support and information The Mental Health Foundation provides to people,” Meleofa says.
The Mental Health Foundation is very appreciative of the support received from organisations such as the New Zealand Management Academy.
Student Michael Williams (30) enjoyed the experience of working his way through a calling list and getting donations for Pink Shirt Day.
“But what I enjoyed most of all was getting to talk to the supporters. Most of them had really intricate stories and spent a lot of time talking about their own experiences with mental health.”
For the past two years, students studying for the New Zealand Management Academy’s (NZMA) contact centre level three national certificate have telemarketed Pink Shirt Day for the Mental Health Foundation.
“We wanted to help charities and help our students gain work experience at the same time,” NZMA tutor Niamh Kelly says.
The students have not only had an opportunity to practise their skills, but have learned about mental health in the process, Niamh says.
“I really feel there’s a really big misconception about mental health and it’s something I’m passionate about. The experience has opened their eyes, people telling them stories about how they have been affected by mental health.”
For Kairangi Marsters (32), not only did she gain confidence and improve her communication skills, she had no idea there were campaigns against bullying and for positive mental health.
Fellow student Meleofa Sekona (28) gained new insight and brought home some positive messages for her family.
“I have gained more confidence on the phone and realised how much support and information The Mental Health Foundation provides to people,” Meleofa says.
The Mental Health Foundation is very appreciative of the support received from organisations such as the New Zealand Management Academy.
