Privacy Policy

Last updated: 17 May 2026

Beside ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of everyone who uses our service. This policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, and how we look after it.

1. Who we are

Beside is a registered charity (no. 00000000) based in the United Kingdom. Our website is besidehealth.org and you can contact us at hello@besidehealth.org.

2. What data we collect

We collect the following categories of personal data:

  • Account data — your first name, email address, and WhatsApp number when you register.
  • Profile data — your country of residence.
  • Programme data — your progress through The Beside Programme (sessions completed, activity).
  • Communications — messages exchanged within the platform and any contact form submissions.
  • Technical data — IP address, browser type, and pages visited, collected automatically via server logs and cookies.

3. Why we collect it

We use your data to:

  • Provide and personalise The Beside Programme for you.
  • Match you with a trained peer facilitator.
  • Send transactional emails (account confirmation, programme updates).
  • Monitor safeguarding and maintain the safety of programme participants.
  • Improve our programme using anonymised, aggregated analytics.

Our legal basis for processing is legitimate interests (providing the charity's programme) and, where required, your explicit consent.

4. How long we keep your data

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active, plus three years after you close it (to maintain safeguarding records). Anonymised programme outcome data may be retained indefinitely for research purposes.

5. Sharing your data

We do not sell your data. We share it only with:

  • Peer facilitators — your first name and WhatsApp number, so they can contact you.
  • Hosting and infrastructure providers — under data processing agreements (servers in the EU/UK).
  • Email delivery services — to send transactional messages on our behalf.
  • Statutory authorities — where legally required or where there is a serious safeguarding concern.

6. Cookies

We use essential cookies to keep you logged in and remember your session. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. See our Cookie Policy for details.

7. Your rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data, to restrict or object to processing, and to data portability. To exercise any of these rights, email us at hello@besidehealth.org.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk).

8. Security

We use industry-standard security measures including encrypted connections (HTTPS), hashed passwords, and restricted access to production systems. No method of transmission is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or by posting a notice on the site. The date at the top of this page shows when it was last revised.

10. Contact

Questions about this policy? Email hello@besidehealth.org or write to Beside, [address].

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