Privacy Policy

1. Introduction
Welcome to Side by Side Cheshire. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in a transparent and secure manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us. By using our website and services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Who We Are
Side by Side Cheshire provides befriending and companionship services designed to support individuals through social interaction, wellbeing support, and community engagement. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we process your personal information, please contact us: Side by Side Cheshire. Address: 35 Burlea Drive, Shavington, Cheshire, CW2 5BZ. Email: hello@sidebysidecheshire.com. Telephone: 07702992027.

3. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information: Information You Provide Directly- Name- Email address- Telephone number- Postal address- Date of birth (where relevant)- Emergency contact details- Information provided through contact forms- Service preferences and requirements- Feedback, enquiries, or complaints. Information Collected Automatically When you visit our website, we may collect:- IP address- Browser type and version- Device information- Website usage data- Pages visited- Date and time of access- Cookies and similar technologies. Sensitive Information Where necessary and with appropriate safeguards, we may collect limited health or wellbeing information that is relevant to providing our befriending services safely and effectively.

4. How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information to:- Provide and manage our befriending services- Match clients with suitable befrienders- Respond to enquiries and requests- Manage bookings and appointments- Improve our services and website- Monitor service quality and safeguarding requirements- Comply with legal and regulatory obligations- Send service-related communications Where consent is required, we will obtain your consent before processing your information.

5. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal information under one or more of the following legal bases:- Your consent- Performance of a contract- Compliance with legal obligations- Protection of vital interests- Legitimate interests in operating and improving our services

6. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:- Employees, volunteers, and befrienders involved in providing services- Professional advisers and service providers- IT and website support providers- Regulatory bodies where required by law- Emergency services where necessary to protect someone's safety. All third parties are required to protect your information and only use it for authorised purposes.

7. Safeguarding
As a befriending service, we take safeguarding seriously. In circumstances where there is concern about the safety or wellbeing of an individual, we may share relevant information with appropriate authorities or agencies where legally permitted or required.

8. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from:- Unauthorised access- Loss or theft- Misuse- Alteration- Disclosure. While we strive to protect your information, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

9. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:- Provide our services- Meet legal, accounting, or regulatory requirements- Resolve disputes- Enforce our agreementsWhen information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.

10. Cookies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve user experience and analyse website performance.You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. For more information, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

11. Your Rights
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to:- Access your personal information- Correct inaccurate information- Request deletion of your information- Restrict processing- Object to processing- Withdraw consent- Request data portability- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authorityTo exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided above.

12. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies.

13. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for children under the age of 18

14. Photo Advertising Agreement

By providing your consent, you grant us permission to use photographs, videos, or other visual media in which you appear for advertising, marketing, promotional, and educational purposes across our website, social media platforms, printed materials, and other marketing channels. We will use these images in accordance with applicable privacy laws and will not sell your images to third parties. Your consent is voluntary, and you may withdraw it at any time by contacting us in writing. Withdrawal of consent will apply to future use only and will not require the removal of materials that have already been published or distributed before your request was received.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

16. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of personal information, please contact Side by Side Cheshire. Email: hello@sidebysidecheshire.com. Telephone: 07702992027. Address: 35 Burlea Drive, Shavington, Cheshire, CW2 5BZ. If you are dissatisfied with our response, you may contact your local data protection authority.