Our case managers

Our case managers are spread throughout the UK - from Northern Ireland to West Wales, Scotland and the Channel Islands

We have a wide variety of skills and experience in helping clients recover and return to work after an injury which we share within our network to get the best rehabilitation possible for our clients.

Select a location on the map to view the details of the case manager nearest to you.

As occupational therapists we are specialists in rehabilitation; we take a holistic approach.

We work closely with the client to assist their recovery following an accident, focusing on return to work.

We design a specific rehabilitation programme with each client, tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

Independence works has developed a vocational rehabilitation toolkit as a reference for all our members to share knowledge and expertise.

Efficient data analysis allows us to spot trends, evaluate service quality and improve our case outcomes.

As occupational therapists, our focus is on ‘all the things we need, want or have to do’. (Wilcock, 2006)

Independence Works analyses its outcome data very carefully and has done so for more than ten years. We know what works and why and can prove it.

Our goal is to help our clients to live their best life – it's very personal.

When appropriate, we visit the client in their homes, at work or in the community – from Guernsey to the Outer Hebrides, from Belfast to York and back.

We aim to link the client to the geographically closest case manager, subject to their caseload and any aspects of the case which make specific clinical expertise more important. Meet some of our case managers.

Rachel Swains

Rachel is a highly skilled independent occupational therapist and case manager specialising in rehabilitation following catastrophic and complex injuries. She has extensive expertise in supporting individuals with traumatic brain injury, as well as managing psychological and behavioural changes arising from neurological trauma. Rachel also has significant experience in the rehabilitation of severe orthopaedic injuries and lower limb amputations, delivering tailored, client-centred interventions to maximise functional independence and quality of life.

Joanna Cartwright

Based in Cornwall, Joanna has extensive experience of working with adults and young people in the community. She specialises in trauma and orthopaedics, traumatic brain injury, neurological conditions and vocational rehabilitation. She has excellent knowledge of her surrounding area and of local statutory, private and voluntary services.

Amy Chadwick

Amy is based near Cambridge and has worked with clients with a wide-range of injuries and conditions. Her specialisms include trauma and orthopaedics, polytrauma, amputations and neurological conditions, including stroke and traumatic brain injuries.

Catherine Manley

Catherine brings strong clinical insight to rehabilitation after serious injury, with particular expertise in upper limb and complex peripheral nerve trauma. She also specialises in amputation, multi‑trauma orthopaedic cases, and mild traumatic brain injury, creating clear and effective pathways toward long‑term independence.

Clare Chiwandire

Clare specialises in the case management of adults and adolescents following major catastrophic injuries including brain injury, polytrauma, neurological and peripheral nerve impairments, amputations and psychological challenges. She is based in Peterborough.

Susan Lewis

Based in Belfast, Susan brings strong clinical insight to rehabilitation after serious injury, with particular expertise in complex orthopaedic injuries. She works with both children and adults to ensure that they achieve the best possible outcomes.