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About Us
What They Say?
How can we help?
Independence 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 are important to us. We work hard to build and maintain them.
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 will help you to reach them.
PROFESSIONALISM Our work will be led by best practice, delivered by competent staff who take professional standards seriously and know what it's like to be human.
PARTNERSHIP WORKING We will work collaboratively with organisations that can help you reach your goals.
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 joint effort.
Independence is a member of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners, the professional body for the substance use field.
Independence staff comply with the FDAP professional standards and work to the FDAP code of practice.
Independence 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
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.
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.
TRACEY REAR
Tracey joined the organization in 1996 initially as the Under 21's Worker. Since then she has 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 dressmaker.
