Dear members, parents and carers,

 My name is Daphne van Elderen and I am the confidential counsellor (CCP) for Rugby Club Tilburg. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you and tell you more about my role as confidential counsellor.

I live in Tilburg and have been part of the women’s team at Rugby Club Tilburg for eight seasons now. Although I no longer play in matches, I still try to join in with training to keep fit and continue to enjoy the camaraderie of the club.

In my day job, I’m an anaesthesia assistant. In other words, I monitor patients who are under anaesthesia during surgery. When the role of Confidential Advisor became available, I immediately felt drawn to it. At work, just as in this role, I’m bound by a duty of confidentiality.

So what can you – as a member, parent or carer – expect from me as a confidential advisor? I’m here for the whole club, from young to old. Whether you’re dealing with minor irritations or annoyances, or facing major problems or offences: you’re welcome to contact me about all sorts of things. I’ll listen to your story and ask questions to get a clear picture of your situation. We will then work together to find the most suitable and best solution to your problem. It is very important to note that our committee is responsible for what happens at and within our club. That is why, as the confidential advisor, I have a duty to report our conversation to the committee. This is done discreetly; your case remains anonymous, and if there is any risk of the details being traced back to you, it is my responsibility to prevent this.

In addition, in some cases, I am also bound by a civic duty to consult with the Centre for Safe Sport. In a few exceptional cases, anonymity may be waived, but this will always be done in consultation with you. Nothing will happen against your wishes.

Please bear in mind that, as a confidential advisor, I am not authorised to take action on certain issues myself. That is the role of our board, which is why it is important that I report certain issues to them as discreetly as possible. Would you like to discuss your case with the board yourself? If so, I will support you in this and we can take swift action.

I hope this message has given you a clearer picture of exactly what my role as a confidential advisor within RCT entails. If you have any further questions, or if you’re struggling with an issue you’d like to discuss , please feel free to get in touch with me. You can reach me on +31634606845 or via email at vcp.rugbyclubtilburg@gmail.com . I’m also available every Tuesday and Thursday from 7.45 pm, and I’m regularly on the sidelines on Sundays watching one of our ladies’ or men’s matches. You’re always welcome to come and have a chat with me, and calling, emailing or messaging me on WhatsApp is no problem at all.

Please feel welcome!

Best wishes,

Daphne van Elderen

Confidential Advisor, Rugby Club Tilburg