Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 19/03/2025
Last Updated: 19/03/2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to Stopping Stigma UK. We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you use our website (www.stoppingstigmauk.org) and our chatbot, Hope.
By using our website and services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
We aim to collect as little personal data as possible. However, we may collect the following:
a) Information You Provide
– When you contact us via forms or email, we may collect your name, email address, and any details you share.
– When using our chatbot, Hope, all interactions are fully anonymized and are not linked to any personally identifiable data.
b) Automatically Collected Data
We may collect non-identifiable data about website usage, including:
– IP address (anonymized where possible)
– Device and browser type
– Pages visited and time spent on the site
This helps us improve the website experience without personally identifying users.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
✔ To provide harm reduction resources and signposting to relevant services.
✔ To improve our chatbot, Hope, and ensure accurate responses.
✔ To analyze website traffic and improve user experience.
✔ To respond to inquiries and requests for support (if you contact us directly).
We never sell or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Data Storage & Security
We take data security seriously and use safeguards to protect any stored information.
– Anonymization: Chatbot interactions with Hope are stored without personally identifiable details.
– Encryption: Any sensitive data is protected using industry-standard security measures.
– Access Controls: Only authorized personnel can access collected data.
5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies to enhance user experience. These cookies:
– Help us understand website traffic and improve content.
– Allow chatbot interactions to function smoothly.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.
6. Third-Party Links & Services
Stopping Stigma UK provides links to external support services. We are not responsible for the privacy policies of these third-party websites. Please review their policies before providing any personal data.
7. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
You have the following rights regarding your data:
✅ Right to Access – Request a copy of any personal data we hold.
✅ Right to Rectification – Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
✅ Right to Erasure (“Right to Be Forgotten”) – Request deletion of your data.
✅ Right to Restrict Processing – Limit how we use your data.
✅ Right to Data Portability – Request data in a structured format.
✅ Right to Object – Object to data processing based on legitimate interests.
To exercise your rights, please contact us at support@stoppingstigmauk.org.
8. Use of the Chatbot (Hope)
– Hope is fully anonymized—no personal data is collected or stored.
– Hope is designed to provide harm reduction information and signposting to local services.
– Conversations with Hope are not monitored by a human and do not store identifiable data.
– If you request signposting to support, you will be directed to external services.
Stopping Stigma UK does not provide emergency medical or crisis intervention—if you need urgent help, please contact emergency services or a crisis helpline.
9. 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 “Effective Date.”
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle data, please contact us at:
📧 Email: support@stoppingstigmauk.org
🌍 Website: www.stoppingstigmauk.org
