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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
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.
Alysa Rixon
Alysa joined the team in 2022 and is 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.
Cate Mason
Cate joined the team in January 2024. She is a qualified integrative therapist and has a special interest in mindfulness practice. Before joining us, Cate worked in Education on the island with many years' experience as a school leader. In her spare time Cate loves the out-door life and walking her dog. She is a registered member of the BACP.
TRACEY REAR
Tracey joined the organisation in 1996 initially as the Under 21s Worker. Since then she has gained a Diploma in Drug Dependency at Kings College London before going on to complete a Bachelors degree in Addictions Management at the University of Kent. Tracey gained her Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Exeter. She is a qualified Integrative counsellor and has recently completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with the University of Oxford, Cognitive Therapy Centre. In her spare time she is a keen dressmaker.
