Effective Date: 31st October 2023

Mellofluence is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and store your information when you use our website, services, or interact with us. As a mental health-focused business, we take extra care to ensure the confidentiality and security of your sensitive data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 (UK), and the Data Protection Acts 1988-2018 (Ireland).

By using our Services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Services.

INFORMATION WE COLLECT:
We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

• Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address.

• Demographic Information: Age, gender, location, and other relevant details.

• Health-Related Information: Information relevant to your mental health, therapy sessions, feedback, or wellness goals.

• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, billing address, and transaction history (if applicable).

• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information, and usage data collected via cookies and similar technologies.

• Communication Data: Information provided when you interact with us via our website, social media platforms, emails, or other communication channels.

We only collect information that is necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION:
We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To Provide and Personalize Our Services: To deliver mental health services tailored to your needs, including scheduling appointments and providing therapeutic support.

• To Communicate with You: To respond to your enquiries, send appointment reminders, and provide updates about your account.

• To Process Payments: To handle transactions and maintain financial records (if applicable).

• To Comply with Legal Obligations: To meet regulatory requirements and respond to lawful requests from authorities.

• To Improve Our Services: To analyze user feedback and enhance our website, services, and user experience.

• For Marketing Purposes: To send you promotional materials or updates about our services, but only with your explicit consent.

We will never use your sensitive health-related information for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

DATA RETENTION:
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. For example:

• Health-related data will be retained for a minimum period as required by healthcare regulations.

• Financial records will be kept for the duration required by tax and accounting laws.

Once the retention period expires, we will securely delete or anonymize your information.

DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE:
We may share your personal information with:

• Third-Party Service Providers: Trusted partners who assist us in delivering our services (e.g., payment processors, IT support, or telehealth platforms). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.

• Legal and Regulatory Authorities: When required by law or to protect our legal rights.

• Others: With your explicit consent or as permitted by law.

We will never sell your personal information to third parties.

YOUR RIGHTS:
Under GDPR and applicable data protection laws, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

• Right to Rectification: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information.

• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal requirements.

• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitations on how we use your data.

• Right to Data Portability: Request a transfer of your data to another service provider.

• Right to Object: Object to the processing of your data for specific purposes, such as marketing.

• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time, where applicable.

• Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK or the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at mellofluencebegins@gmail.com.

SECURITY:
We implement robust technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data.

• Regular security audits and updates.

• Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis.

Despite our efforts, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will promptly notify you of any data breaches as required by law.

COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES:
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. These tools help us:

• Improve website performance and functionality.

• Personalize content based on your preferences.

• Analyze user behavior to improve our services.

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

CHANGES TO THIS POLICY:
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated to you via email or through a notice on our website. Your continued use of our Services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

CONTACT US:
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal information or this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: mellofluencebegins@gmail.com

We are committed to addressing your concerns promptly and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.