Terms and Conditions

The Break Free addiction recovery programme includes support for addiction recovery based on the principles of ‘AVA’ Addictive Voice Awareness, and peer support guidance/advice from personal experience. Support is delivered in the form of a WhatsApp support group, face to face meetings, 1-2-1 support (remote and face to face), and walk-and-talks. 

Support Contract:

*PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THIS SUPPORT CONTRACT AS FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAMME WITHOUT REFUND*

* ALL TEAM MEMBERS AT BREAK FREE WORK TOGETHER AS PART OF A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM AND IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE SUPPORT TO OUR MEMBERS, INFORMATION MAY BE SHARED WITHIN THE TEAM.

1) Confidentiality. Group discussions are confidential: What is said in group, stays in group! Confidentiality is the most important group rule; without it, members are unlikely to share or even come to group. Members are not permitted to record sessions. If a group member discloses intended/actual harm to self or others, we will refer this as per our Safeguarding Policy. We will always involve the member in the process. It is your responsibility to ensure that family members/friends DO NOT have access to your phone of the content of the WhatsApp group. This is to ensure and protect the confidentiality of all group members.

2) Attend ALL sessions (both Meetings and Walks) on time. Members are expected to make sessions a priority and attend all sessions, arrive on time, and remain for the entire session unless there is an emergency. Members who are unable to attend a session are expected to contact the BREAK FREE Team beforehand to let them know. In exceptional circumstances, we may need to change the time of a session. Should this situation arise, we will endeavour to ensure the rescheduled time suits all group members. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled time then this will result in you missing that session.

3) Do not use alcohol or illicit drugs before group.
Coming to the meetings, walks OR participating in the WhatsApp group under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. If a member is intoxicated then the member will be asked to leave the group and encouraged to contact the team when clean/sober. Our approach is not punitive but important to adhere to group rules with compassion.

4) We ask you not to socialise outside of groups or contact another member outside the WhatsApp group.
Socialising outside of the group can undermine members’ recovery by blurring boundary issues. Even if members go out for coffee after a group, they form a relationship that others cannot share, and the stronger the relationship, the more likely it is to interfere with group interactions. Especially in early recovery the conversations being had can turn and without the awareness around your addiction this can be detrimental to your or their recovery.

5) Do not discuss group members who are not present.
Members who are not in the group any longer or unable to attend a session cannot speak for themselves. Discussions about absent members can undermine trust in the group.

6) All members need to participate in group sessions and the WhatsApp group.
It is important for members to actively participate in the group (i.e., share their problems and feelings with others, voice their Addictive Voice activity, etc.). Participation is very important, we can give you the information and support, but it is up to you to apply it.

7) Exhibit appropriate behaviours in groups.
(1) Take turns speaking and do not talk over one another;
(2) respect the rights of others to express their opinions;
(3) mobile phones must be turned off during the session;
(4) profanity, screaming, discrimination and yelling are not appropriate; strong emotions need to be communicated in a manner that is not disruptive and allows group members to help one another. Clients who are abusive and using repeated in-appropriate language will be instantly dismissed from the group. Any remarks relating to racism, sexism, cultural beliefs, gender or any other form of discrimination will result in instant dismissal from the group and may result in dismissal from the programme.
Members should be respectful of one another and of the Break Free team. Individual outbursts or disruptions take the focus off of the group process. The counsellor will aim to de-escalate disruptions and refer back to group rules/boundaries and if they continue the counsellor will mute and dismiss the client. The client may be allowed back to a following group after they have had time to reflect on their behaviour (depending on the nature of the behaviour) and would like to apologise. If behaviour is repeated again then subscription will be terminated. Threat of violence or discrimination will not be tolerated and lead to termination of subscription. Threat of violence can be reported to the police. If the group environment is found to be unsuitable for you, 121 support will be offered with break free, or you will be signposted to another service we deem more suited to your needs.

8) Do not offer advice to other members of the programme, you are welcome to share feelings and experiences but it is not your position or responsibility to advise.

9) Use the full and correct terminologies for substances and avoid talking about them in any way which could be construed as glorifying their use. (Cocaine, alcohol, cannabis, gambling etc.)

10) We aim to provide the most suitable advice for your circumstances, however we can only advise on the information provided by yourself, therefore please be as open and honest when participating in support.

11) Break Free Support is not a substitute for counselling, mental health care or medical treatment.

12) I understand that going through the process of recovery is a comprehensive process, which may involve all areas of my life including work, family, health, relationships, education, and recreation. I acknowledge that deciding how to handle any issues is my responsibility.

13) Prices for our services are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time.

Anyone discharged will have to leave the service immediately. You will NOT be eligible for a refund of any charge if discharged from the service or should you wish to leave the programme before you have completed it or for any other reason not mentioned. However, at the discretion of the Break Free team you may be allowed to return to continue the programme at a later date.

BY SIGNING UP TO THE SERVICE, YOU AGREE TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SUPPORT CONTRACT.

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time. Please understand you may choose to discontinue from the group at any time.