Supplier leverages links with ‘vast network’ of partner schools.

 

OfficeMax New Zealand added its support to the country’s child and youth counselling helpline service by engaging with the company’s “vast network” of partner schools.

 

An OfficeMax survey of staff within New Zealand schools found that 60 per cent have seen an increase in students requesting counselling services in 2023. 

 

The survey results have inspired OfficeMax to leverage its relationship with schools to drive awareness of 0800 What’s Up, New Zealand’s child and youth counselling helpline and webchat service, which it has supported since 2014.

 

The free service, run by Barnardos, is the only helpline for 5-19 year-olds in New Zealand.

OfficeMax will be issuing a new toolkit, which includes 0800 What’s Up posters, web banners and other digital assets on its website and direct to almost 2,000 schools to help raise awareness.

 

OfficeMax managing director, Kevin Obern, says, “We want to make sure that this vital service can reach the children and young people who need it most. We now know that awareness is a big part of that, so we’re doing what we can with this practical and easy-to-use toolkit to help teachers support their students.”