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Privacy Policy

Last updated: 18 June 2026
 

At Support Buddies, we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you visit our website, contact us, or engage with our services.
 

Who We Are

Support Buddies
48 Dimond Road
Southampton
SO18 1JS

Email: info@supportbuddies.org
Telephone: 07715 356062
 

Support Buddies provides support services for vulnerable young people and adults across Hampshire, including learning, social, emotional and active support services. For the purposes of data protection law, Support Buddies is the “data controller” of your personal information.


What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal information:

Information you provide directly

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Telephone number

  • Address

  • Information submitted through contact forms, referrals, applications or enquiries

  • Any other information you choose to provide to us
     

Additional information collected

This may include:

  • Health information and care/support needs

  • Risk assessments and safeguarding information

  • Information about family members, carers or representatives

  • Records of support provided and interactions with you
     

Special Category Data

We may also collect and process special category data where necessary to provide our services. This may include information about your health, care needs, wellbeing, or safeguarding concerns.
 

Information collected automatically

When you use our website, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device information

  • Website usage data

  • Cookies and analytics information
     

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Respond to enquiries and referrals

  • Provide support services

  • Communicate with service users, families, carers and professionals

  • Improve our website and services

  • Maintain records and safeguarding responsibilities

  • Send updates or communications where appropriate

  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations
     

Legal Basis for Processing

Under UK GDPR, we process personal data under one or more of the following lawful bases:

  • Consent

  • Legitimate interests

  • Performance of a contract or service

  • Compliance with legal obligations

  • Protection of vital interests where necessary
     

Special Category Data

Where we process special category data, we do so under the following conditions:

  • The provision of health or social care or treatment

  • Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults

  • Where necessary to protect vital interests
     

Sharing Your Information

We may share your information with:

  • Trusted service providers who support our operations

  • Health, education or care professionals where appropriate and lawful

  • Regulatory or safeguarding authorities where required

  • IT and website support providers
     

We may also share information, where appropriate and lawful, with organisations that fund or commission the services we provide, in order to demonstrate outcomes, manage funding arrangements, and ensure appropriate support is in place.
 

In certain circumstances, we may share your information without your consent where this is necessary to protect you or others from harm, or to meet safeguarding obligations.
 

We will never sell your personal information to third parties.
 

Data Storage and Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, loss, misuse or disclosure. Access to personal information is limited to those who need it for legitimate business purposes.


How Long We Keep Your Information

We only keep personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Deliver our services

  • Fulfil safeguarding responsibilities

  • Meet legal, financial or regulatory requirements

We retain personal information in line with legal and regulatory requirements. For example:

  • Care and support records are typically retained for up to 6–8 years after support ends

  • Financial records are retained for 6 years

  • Safeguarding records may be retained for longer where required
     

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or destroyed.


Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve functionality and analyse website traffic. You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.
 

International Transfers

We do not transfer personal data outside the UK. If this changes, we will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
 

Your Rights

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal information

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of your data

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Withdraw consent where applicable

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

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Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites.
 

Changes to This Privacy Notice

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


Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or how your personal information is handled, please contact:

Support Buddies
Email: info@supportbuddies.org
Telephone: 07715 356062

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