Services to ASCO Members
Advocacy
ASCO specialises in providing advice and in aiding Members to access appropriate agencies. We are able to aid Members in relation to:
- Welfare benefits.
- Health care and disability services.
- Employment.
- Education and training.
- Housing.
- Budgeting services.
- Developing positive community support.
Information
ASCO provides information for ASCO Members to promote healthy lifestyles. We do this by facilitating access to:
- Dietary advice and services in Dunedin.
- Exercise opportunities in Dunedin.
- Teaching and encouraging life skills and appropriate social behaviours.
How does it work?
The overall goal of Advisory and Support Centre Otago is to provide a safe, activities based environment for our Members. ASCO is focused on supporting Members to improve their quality of life by offering advocacy, support, activities and contacts with identified external agencies.
- We provide activities for current and future Members to enable those who have been long term unemployed a chance to gain experience, skills and confidence.
- It is the ASCO aim to support Members with developing self-awareness and encourage Members to lead their own unique recovery journey.
- We offer opportunities for members to be involved in activities that promote healthy lifestyles.
Comfort and Company
ASCO is a free non-profit organization providing advocacy and support services to low income earners and to those recovering from Mental Illness. A free light lunch is provided on Monday to Friday, along with free tea, coffee, snacks, newspaper and telephone. Members have access to a computer, internet, television, radio, piano, books and magazines. We also have a well-stocked display of information for use by Members on services provided by other agencies and organizations in the community.