Financial Transparency & Accountability
Rough Patch, we believe transparency is part of ethical practice.
As a values-led counselling collective and Community of Practice, we want to be open about how we operate, where resources go, and the realities and limitations of community-based mental health work.
We know that trust is built through honesty, accountability, and ongoing reflection. That includes being transparent about our processes, decision making, capacity, and financial structures.
This page exists to help make that work more visible.
Why Transparency Matters To Us
Mental health support should not feel hidden, gatekept, or inaccessible.
We know that many people accessing counselling services have had difficult experiences with systems, institutions, or organisations that felt unclear, unsafe, or difficult to navigate. We also know that many practitioners are seeking workplaces and communities that align with their values.
Transparency helps us create more informed, ethical, and accountable relationships with both clients and counsellors.
It also reflects our broader commitment to anti-oppressive practice, community care, and ongoing accountability.
A Community Led Approach
Rough Patch was built around the idea that counselling can be collaborative, reflective, and community-oriented.
Our Community of Practice Manifesto guides how we work together as counsellors, practitioners, and humans. It is a living document that continues to evolve alongside our community.
Some of the values that shape our work include:
- Amplifying marginalised voices and challenging dominant perspectives
- Practising accountability, reflection, and repair
- Approaching conversations with honesty, curiosity, and care
- Supporting each other through peer connection and supervision
- Recognising that growth often involves discomfort and ongoing learning
- Staying transparent about our limitations, boundaries, and capacity
What Financial Transparency Means At Rough Patch
Financial transparency means being honest about the realities of running and sustaining a counselling collective.
This includes being transparent about:
- The limits of our capacity and resources
- How services are structured
- Our eligibility and intake processes
- Session availability and wait times
- The role of counsellors within the collective
- Areas where we are still learning, evolving, or improving
As we continue to grow, we are committed to improving how we communicate this information and making it easier for our community to understand how Rough Patch operates behind the scenes.
Accountability In Practice
ransparency is not only about finances.
For us, accountability also means:
- Owning mistakes and being willing to repair harm
- Returning to difficult conversations rather than avoiding them
- Inviting feedback and reflection
- Supporting ongoing professional development and supervision
- Being honest about when we are not the right fit
- Continuing to evolve our practices as our community changes
We understand accountability as an ongoing process, not a finished outcome.
We do not believe in perfection or having all the answers. We believe in reflection, responsibility, and continuing to learn together.
The Limits Of Rough Patch
We recognise that Rough Patch has limits.
We cannot be all things to all people, and we may not always get things right.
Our capacity is shaped by counsellor availability, community demand, funding realities, and the resources available to us as a growing collective.
We are committed to being honest about those limitations, communicating openly where possible, and continuing to improve through reflection, feedback, and community care.
Questions Or Feedback
We welcome thoughtful feedback, questions, and ongoing conversation from our community.
If you have questions about our financial statements, values, or the way Rough Patch operates, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Contact Amber Rules at amber@roughpatchcounselling.com or Phone 02 7226 0809