Privacy Policy for Young Carers Platform

Last Updated: November 2024

Young Carers Platform Privacy Notice

Our contact details: Name: Upstream Outcomes Ltd

Address: Ergo, Bridgehead Business Park, Meadow Rd, Hessle HU13 0GD

Phone Number: +44 03455481654

E-mail: contact@bridgit.care or contact@upstream.health

Our Promise to Keep Your Information Safe

At Upstream Outcomes, we are committed to protecting the privacy of young carers. We promise to respect any personal information shared with us and keep it safe at all times. This privacy notice sets out how we process personal information for the Young Carers Platform, operated by Upstream Outcomes Ltd.

How We Process Your Data

This privacy notice explains how we process data related to young carers who are over 13 years of age in the UK. It also explains your rights and the options you have regarding how we use your personal information.

What Type of Information We Have

We currently collect and process the following information:

  • Personal identifiers, such as name, date of birth, and contact details.

  • Information about your computer/mobile device and your visits to and use of our website, including your IP address and geographical location.

  • Browser type, version, and time zone setting.

  • Information about your interactions with our website and platform, including pages viewed, time spent on pages, and interaction patterns (such as clicks and scrolling).

  • Messages and information shared via the platform’s chat tools.

  • Information provided through carer assessments and consultations, including your needs, goals, and progress.

  • If you are a participant in our support programs, we may collect relevant details, including financial information if necessary for payments.

How We Get the Information and Why We Have It

Most of the personal information we process is provided directly by you when you:

  • Register with the Young Carers Platform.

  • Interact with our online tools, including the AskBridgit chatbot.

  • Communicate with us through the platform, such as via chat tools.

  • Take part in carer assessments or consultations.

We may also receive personal information indirectly from the following sources:

  • Schools, where young carers have given consent for us to access specific support information.

  • Partner organizations involved in providing support services to young carers.

Our Lawful Basis for Processing

Under Article 6 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the lawful bases we rely on for processing your data include:

  • Your consent, which you provide when interacting with our platform and chat tools.

  • Legitimate interests, for sharing support information and ensuring young carers receive the most appropriate help.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us at contact@bridgit.care.

What We Do With the Information We Have

We use the information you provide to:

  • Offer personalized support services through our platform and AI coaches.

  • Create tailored carer plans and provide relevant information to support young carers in their roles.

  • Facilitate consultations and ongoing assessments to monitor progress and provide targeted guidance.

  • Communicate with you via messages or alerts to help you stay on track with your care plan and access support resources.

  • Improve our platform by analyzing interactions and usage patterns to provide the best user experience.

How We Store Your Information

Personal information collected from young carers will be stored within the UK. We work with trusted suppliers to securely store and process this data. While we take all reasonable steps to ensure information is stored securely, some of our suppliers may operate outside the UK. In such cases, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

In general, we retain personal information for six years after collection unless there is a specific reason to keep it longer, such as ongoing support needs or consent for continued participation in research projects.

Who Can See My Personal Information?

Access to personal information is restricted to trained staff, volunteers, and contractors. It is stored on secure servers with measures in place to prevent unauthorized access.

Your Data Protection Rights

Under data protection law, young carers have rights, including:

  • Your right of access: You can ask us for copies of your personal information.

  • Your right to rectification: You can ask us to correct any information you think is inaccurate.

  • Your right to erasure: You can request that we erase your personal information in certain circumstances.

  • Your right to restriction of processing: You can request that we restrict the processing of your information in specific cases.

  • Your right to object to processing: You can object to the processing of your personal data in certain situations.

  • Your right to data portability: You can request that we transfer your data to another organization or directly to you in certain circumstances.

Please contact us if you wish to exercise any of these rights:

Address: Ergo, Bridgehead Business Park, Meadow Rd, Hessle HU13 0GD

Phone Number: +44 03455481654

E-mail: contact@bridgit.care or contact@upstream.health

Use of AI in Our Platform

Our Young Carers Platform integrates AI systems, such as Chat GPT, to enhance support for young carers. These tools assist by offering local tips and advice based on the specific needs of young carers.

Data Collection:

  • We collect and process messages exchanged, timestamps, and any additional information necessary for the functioning of the AI system. No personal identifying information is used unless explicitly shared during the conversation.

Purpose of Use:

  • The AI integration aims to improve the quality of support by providing tailored information relevant to each carer’s needs.

Information Sharing:

  • We do not share user data processed by the AI system with any third parties unless required by law. Confidentiality and privacy are our top priorities.

Data Security:

  • We utilize Microsoft Azure Open AI services hosted within UK datacenters to protect your data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

Limitations:

  • AI tools are designed to support and assist young carers, but they may not handle complex queries effectively. We encourage young carers to exercise discretion when sharing sensitive information.

How to Complain

If you are unhappy with how we have used your data, you can also complain to the ICO.

The ICO’s address:

Information Commissioner’s Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire

SK9 5AF

Helpline number: 0303 123 1113