SF Otago Branch Profile

Based in Dunedin, SF Otago run three distinct and original operations: Fieldworker Services, the Tapestry Clubhouse and Simply the Best op-shop.

Wayne Marshall (Team Leader), Sandra Habershon and Rebecca Shaw make up SF Otago’s dedicated fieldworker team, providing information, advocacy and education to service users and their families. The team also offers useful information about mental illness and treatment options, accommodation, medications, relevant legislation and regional mental health services.

The Fieldwork Team run monthly support meetings in Dunedin and a coffee morning in Balclutha, and we have an extensive library of useful books and DVDs.

Tapestry Clubhouse provides support for people with mental illness, in an informal yet productive ‘clubhouse’ environment and is strongly based around a typical work-ordered day. The clubhouse is managed by Bernie Aitken and a team of skilled facilitators but run by members themselves. In 2006, Tapestry Clubhouse received accreditation from the International Clubhouse Centre for Development (ICCD).

At the Clubhouse, service users are given the opportunity to ‘rejoin the worlds of friendships, family, employment, education, and to access the services and support they may need’, according to ICCD guidelines. Clubhouse activities are run according to the ‘work-ordered day’ principle which assists members in re-entering the work force and re-activating their self-esteem. Find out more about Tapestry Clubhouse here.

Located next door to Branch Office on Prince Albert Street, St. Kilda, Simply the Best op-shop has been running for 14 years. The shop is managed by much loved volunteer Kathy Hunt, and funds raised provide valuable support for SF Otago programmes and activities.