Health student Jacqueline Nichols has been handpicked by her workplace to be a mental health advocate.
She was drawn to the role after studying leadership in the NZ Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support). “My tutor, Sadia Farzana, has been a strong influence in approaching opportunities I may not have taken before, and in developing my self-belief,” Jacqueline says. “Her ability to tutor in a style that develops confidence is life changing.”
Jacqueline says her new role involves being available to anyone at her workplace, Accor, to offer support and to serve as a listening ear. Colleagues can be referred to a professional agency if they need it, she says. “We have monthly Zoom meetings across New Zealand and Australia. We also have webinars of educational topics from specialists.”