Privacy Policy

How we ensure Your Privacy

At The Well Communities, we take your privacy seriously. This summary explains what information we collect about you, how we use it, and your rights.

Who we are

We are The Well Communities, a lived experience recovery organisation supporting people with things like addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness, and life difficulties.

We work with People First, who help us manage data protection.

What information we collect

We only collect information we need to support you.

This may include:

  • Your name and contact details (like phone or email)
  • Information you share when you contact us
  • Information about your situation or support needs
  • In some cases, sensitive information (for example about your health)

Why we collect your information

We use your information to:

  • Respond to your enquiries
  • Provide support and services
  • Keep in touch with you
  • Improve our services
  • Keep records
  • Share information about events (if appropriate)

How we are allowed to use your information

We only use your information when the law allows us to. This includes:

  • When you give us permission
  • When we are supporting you or providing a service
  • When we need to meet legal duties (for example safeguarding)
  • When it helps us improve our services

If you share sensitive information, we will only use it with your clear permission or when it is necessary to keep you safe.

Who we share your information with

We will only share your information when necessary, for example:

  • To keep someone safe
  • When the law requires it
  • With trusted organisations that help us deliver services (such as IT systems or partners)

If we need to share your information for any other reason, we will ask for your permission.

Donations

If you donate through a third party (like JustGiving), we may receive your name and contact details — only if you agree.

If you don’t give us information

You don’t have to give us your information.
However, this might mean we cannot provide some services or support.

How long we keep your information

We usually keep your information for:

  • Up to 7 years after your last contact with us

Sometimes we may need to keep it longer if the law or contracts require it.

Our website and cookies

Our website may collect some information (like how you use the site) using cookies and tools like Google Analytics.

You can control cookie settings through your browser.

Keeping your data safe

We take steps to keep your information secure and protected in line with UK data protection law.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • See the information we hold about you
  • Ask us to correct it if it is wrong
  • Ask us to delete it (in some cases)
  • Ask us to stop using it
  • Withdraw your permission at any time
  • Ask us to transfer your data to another service

If you are unhappy

You can contact us at any time if you are worried about how we use your information. Please email gdpr@wearepeoplefirst.co.uk

If you are still unhappy, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK regulator for data protection.

Key message

We only collect the information we need, use it responsibly, and keep it safe — so we can support you in the best possible way.