Eligibility Criteria

Work Opportunities is funded by the Ministry of Social Development to work with people who are work ready.

  • Work ready means a person is able to move into work in a way that is safe and manageable for them. It means having enough stability and support to take on employment in the open labour market.

  • People who live in the Dunedin area.

  • People who 18 years or older.

  • People who have a recognised mental illness and or disability.

  • If you are on WINZ benefit there is an expectation that you will be engaging in work that meets your benefit obligations.

  • You do not have to be on a WINZ benefit to access our service.

  • Voluntary work is an option that can help people ease back into employment, gain experience, and prepare for paid employment. Work Opportunities is not funded for community participation activities please speak to you mental health team about Volunteer South as they are able to assist with arranging this.

We have a Zero Discrimination Policy at Work Opportunities and are committed to inclusivity and diversity. Our Rainbow Community Liaison Person is Sue.

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Feedback From Our Clients

  • “ I worked until last year but due to my mental health and wellbeing I resigned. I saw an ad about Work Opportunities and I thought I needed support in getting a better understanding on how my mental health had affected me at work and impacted on my job. Sue has given me some amazing advice, she really understands about mental health and is able to remain positive. Sue has given me skills with interviews and we have a plan so I am more confident at interviews and do not divulge too much information about my mental health. Sue has assisted with brainstorming a career path which has given me an insight into different jobs, the culture of the job and the reality of the job. Sue has made me realise that yes, I can do well in interviews and other people believe in me. I have weekly meetings with Sue which helps give me a routine. Thanks to Work Opportunities I am feeling more positive about my future.”

  • “When Covid struck I started working from home but that didn’t work out for me and I fell into depression. Due to English being my second language and my age, I found it hard finding a job in Dunedin. Thanks to Jane I start employment soon. Jane has helped me with my self-esteem and driving me in the right direction, giving me the information I needed to know and where to look for jobs. I used Work Opportunities to help me get employment because I was really struggling. After the 13th rejection I decided to change the direction that I was going in, Jane guided me through that. My confidence is a work in progress, I used to be scared of talking to people due to past experiences, but Jane has helped me build on that, which I will be forever grateful for. When I'm in doubt I know that I can always look to Jane for support. Because of the support that Jane has given me I am feeling optimistically confident about my future.”

  • “Work Opportunities has helped me immensely. Jane has been like a guardian angel. I needed someone to encourage and motivate me, Janes involvement has done that. Jane has been wonderful in helping me with my confidence and just knowing that someone is there has created a sense of security for me. Work Opportunities has helped me understand myself and using the skills that Janes has given me to ease my mind has really boosted my confidence.”