Who we are
Disability Together (“we”, “our”, “us”) is a charity supporting Disabled and d/Deaf people across Devon and the South West. We are the data controller for personal information collected via our websites, services and programmes.
Address: Disability Together (formerly Living Options), Ground Floor, Units 3–4 Cranmere Court, Lustleigh Close, Matford Business Park, Exeter, EX2 8PW
Phone: 01392 459222
Email: info@disabilitytogether.org.uk
Registered Charity (1102489). Company Limited by Guarantee (4925281).
Websites covered
This policy covers information collected via disabilitytogether.org.uk and any related pages or forms we host.
How to contact us about privacy
If you have questions or would like to use your data rights, email info@disabilitytogether.org.uk or write to our Exeter address above.
The information we collect
We only collect what we need to provide our services, run our charity and meet our legal duties.
Information you give us directly, for example when you:
- ask for support, information or advice (by phone, email, WhatsApp, SignVideo/BSL relay, web forms)
- are referred to us by a professional or partner organisation
- take part in programmes such as Time to Talk, Counselling, Waiting Well, Victim services, Travelling with Confidence, Sight and Hearing demonstrations, Countryside Mobility, or Advocacy
- request business services (e.g. training, audits and consultancy)
- sign up to our newsletter, volunteer, donate, fundraise, attend an event, or apply for a job
Typical personal data
Name, contact details, communication preferences, accessibility needs, details about your enquiry, and records of our interactions.
Special category and other sensitive information
Depending on the service, we may collect information about health and disability, communication needs (e.g. BSL use), and – only where relevant to your support – information you choose to share about a crime you experienced (for Victim services). We will only ask for sensitive information when it is necessary and appropriate for the service you request.
Information we get from others
We may receive referral details from partner agencies (for example, the Victim Care Unit for Victim services) or from health, social care or voluntary-sector partners, with your knowledge where possible.
Information we collect automatically
When you use our website we collect basic analytics (for example, pages visited and device type). For cookie details, please see our Cookie Policy on the website.
How we use your information (purposes)
We use your information to:
- provide you with the service you request (e.g. advice line, Time to Talk, Counselling, Waiting Well, Victim services, Sight and Hearing demonstrations, Countryside Mobility, Advocacy)
- assess eligibility, respond to referrals and arrange appointments
- tailor support to your needs (including accessible formats, BSL and adjustments)
- manage business services for organisations (e.g. training bookings and audits)
- handle enquiries, feedback and complaints
- send updates you have asked to receive (e.g. our newsletter; you can opt out at any time)
- meet safeguarding, legal, audit and funding requirements
We will not sell your data.
Lawful bases we rely on
We rely on one or more of the following under UK GDPR:
- Consent (e.g. newsletter sign-up; some aspects of support where we ask explicitly). You can withdraw consent at any time.
- Contract (to deliver a service you ask us to provide).
- Legitimate interests (to run our charity, respond to enquiries, improve our services, and keep appropriate records; balanced against your rights).
- Legal obligation (safeguarding, reporting, financial records).
- Vital interests (where life or safety may be at risk).
Services with additional considerations
- Counselling: We keep confidential counselling records to deliver safe, professional care and to meet professional standards. We offer BSL and accessible options.
- Victim services: We receive referrals from the Victim Care Unit and may liaise with partner agencies where needed for your support and safety.
- Advice line and contact routes: You can contact us by phone, email, WhatsApp or BSL relay (SignVideo). Using WhatsApp or any relay service means those providers will process your data in line with their own privacy policies. Please avoid sharing highly sensitive information by text/WhatsApp.
- Newsletter: We only send email updates if you opt in; you can unsubscribe at any time.
Who we share information with
We share information only when necessary and lawful, for example with:
- delivery partners or commissioners that fund or oversee a service you use (only what is needed; often anonymised in reports)
- health, social care, police or other agencies where there is a safeguarding risk or legal requirement
- trusted suppliers who provide our IT, email, telephony, forms and website services (bound by contracts and confidentiality)
- professional advisers (legal, insurance, finance) where needed
We do not allow suppliers to use your information for their own marketing.
How long we keep information
We keep information only as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected and to meet legal or contractual requirements.
If you ask us to delete information, we will do so unless we need to keep it for legal, safeguarding or audit reasons.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- access a copy of your data
- ask us to correct inaccurate data
- ask us to delete your data (in certain circumstances)
- ask us to limit or stop certain processing
- ask for a copy of your data in a portable format
- object to processing based on our legitimate interests or to direct marketing
- withdraw consent where that is our lawful basis
To use your rights, email info@disabilitytogether.org.uk. If you are unhappy with our response, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): ico.org.uk or 0303 123 1113.
Keeping your information safe
We use technical and organisational measures to keep your information secure, including access controls, staff training, encryption in transit, and regular reviews of who can access what.
Cookies and analytics
For information about cookies, analytics and similar technologies, please see our Cookie Policy on the website.
Children and young people
Our website is aimed mainly at adults. Where a service supports people under 18, we will explain how we use information and, where required, seek the right permissions.
Third-party links and services
Our website contains links to other websites and third-party services (for example, BSL relay and social media). Those services have their own privacy policies that we do not control. Disability Together
Changes to this notice
We may update this notice from time to time. The latest version will always be on our website.
Last updated: 5 September 2025.
