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About Us
What They Say?
How can we help?
In-dependence stands for making a difference, providing a service of high standards and believing that all should be given opportunities to live lives free from dependence.
We are a confidential and free service.
OUR MISSION
To support those affected by drugs, alcohol, or gambling and to minimise related harms through education, prevention, and counselling.
Our VALUES
RESPECT We respect our clients’ individual needs and understand the importance of confidentiality, the freedom to choose, and a service free from judgement.
INTEGRITY Transparent and honest relationships form the basis of our work and are the foundation on which we build.
EQUITY We believe in treating people fairly, not favouring one over another. Promoting the message that change is a possibility for all.
EFFECTIVENESS Our work will always be purposeful. Working with clearly defined goals, we seek to promote change.
PROFESSIONALISM Our work will be led by best practice, delivered by competent staff who take professional standards seriously.
PARTNERSHIP WORKING We will work collaboratively with our key stakeholders.
OUR IMPACT
We understand change takes time and can be difficult to measure. We set realistic expectations for change which are continuously reviewed as part of a collaborative process.
In-dependence is a member of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners, the professional body for the substance use field.
In-dependence staff comply with the FDAP professional standards and work to the FDAP code of practice.
In-dependence counsellors have received training which complies with the standards set out by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body (CPCAB) and are members of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) or the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
Staff are committed to ongoing professional development as evidence of maintaining professional standards and competence to practice.
All staff and volunteers receive regular clinical supervision as required by their professional registrations.
As part of best working practice and to provide the most appropriate service to clients we work collaboratively with other service providers. These working relationships are guided by the relevant laws and best practice guidelines.
In line with our values our communications with clients and colleagues will always be open and transparent.
All clients engaging in structured work will receive a working agreement relevant to the service they are being offered. This agreement explains clearly the boundaries of the working relationship.
Success Stories!
Our Team
TRACEY REAR
Tracey joined the organization in 1996 and has worked in each area of operations. She studied Drug Dependency at Kings College London, before going on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Addictions Management at Kent University. Tracey gained her Master’s degree in Public Administration at Exeter University. Tracey is qualified Integrative counsellor and has recently completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre. In her spare time she is a keen rower and dressmaker.
NATHAN MILLER
Nathan is a trained SMART Recovery & harm reduction practitioner with previous experience of working with addictions, predominantly in the area of education and families work. In his spare time Nathan enjoys walking his dogs, photography, and spending time with his family.
AlYsa Rixon
Alysa joined the team in 2022 and is in the process of qualifying as an integrative counsellor. Alysa has experience of working in the charitable sector, managing and developing a small charity, and is a member of the BACP.
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Pardeep Bhogal
Pardeep has a degree in Law and has worked in mental Health Services for 15 years. His most recent role was as a Social Prescriber in Birmingham. Pardeep has a strong community focus and enjoys classical music, going to the gym, walking and reading.
SARAH-JANE MCGRATH
Sarah-Jane joined the team in 2021 with over 26 years' experience in the Criminal Justice Services, mostly in Public Protection specialising in Child Protection and domestic abuse. Sarah-Jane has a Diploma in Adult Care (substance use), and is a SMART recovery practitioner.
