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The Bereavement Companion logo, providing grief support in Wirral, Merseyside and Cheshire

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 2026

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At The Bereavement Companion, I am committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. When you are navigating grief, the last thing you should worry about is how your personal information is being handled. This policy explains how, when, and why I collect personal data about you, how I keep it secure, and the strict conditions under which it may be disclosed to others.

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1. Who I Am

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My name is John, and I operate as an independent bereavement companion based in Birkenhead, Wirral. For the purposes of data protection laws, I am the "Data Controller" of the personal information you share with me.

 

2. The Information I Collect

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To provide you with safe, personalised, and professional support, I may collect and process the following information:

  • Contact Details: Your name, email address, home address, and telephone number.

  • Emergency Contact: The name and contact details of a trusted person (collected solely for safety reasons).

  • Enquiry Information: Any details you choose to share with me via my website contact form, email, or initial phone call regarding your situation and loss.

  • Session Notes: Brief, confidential reflections to help me remember the details of our conversations and support you effectively in future sessions.

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3. How I Use Your Information

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I will only use your personal data when the law allows me to. Most commonly, I use it to:

  • Respond to your initial enquiries and schedule our sessions.

  • Provide you with ongoing bereavement companion services.

  • Maintain accurate records for tax and insurance purposes (as an independent business).

  • Contact your designated emergency contact or emergency services if I have a serious, immediate concern for your safety or well-being.

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4. How I Protect and Store Your Data

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Your trust is incredibly important to me. I take security very seriously and apply the following strict safeguards:

  • Digital Records: Any digital information (like emails or contact forms) is kept on password-protected devices with secure, encrypted connections.

  • Paper Records: Any handwritten session notes are kept locked securely in a private filing cabinet.

  • No Marketing: I will never sell, rent, or share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.

  • Retention Period: I only keep your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes I collected it for, including any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

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5. Confidentiality and Its Limits

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Everything you share with me during our sessions is treated with the utmost confidentiality. I will not discuss your details with anyone else.

The only times confidentiality would be broken are:

  1. If I believe there is a severe and immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else.

  2. If I am legally compelled to do so by a court of law.

Wherever possible, I would always try to discuss this with you before sharing any information with outside professionals (such as a GP or emergency services).

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6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

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You have specific legal rights regarding the personal information I hold about you. You have the right to:

  • Request a copy of the personal information I hold about you.

  • Ask me to correct any inaccuracies in your data.

  • Request that I delete your personal information (where I am not legally required to keep it for insurance/tax records).

  • Withdraw your consent for me to process your data at any time.

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7. How to Contact Me

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If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or if you wish to exercise any of your legal rights, please feel free to reach out to me directly through the contact details provided on this website.

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