Confidentiality

Bridge to Belonging provides a safe and respectful space where children and young people can explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

Information shared during sessions is treated as confidential and will not normally be discussed outside of sessions without the child or young person's knowledge and agreement.

There are, however, important exceptions to confidentiality. If I become concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of harm, or that another person may be at risk of harm, I have a professional and safeguarding duty to share relevant information with appropriate individuals or services. 

Parents and carers will receive general information about the support being provided, but the detailed content of sessions remains confidential in order to maintain trust and create a safe therapeutic space.

If parents, carers or schools request feedback about a child's sessions, this will only be shared with the child's knowledge and agreement, except where safeguarding concerns require information to be shared. Where appropriate, I may provide a summary of themes, progress or recommendations rather than detailed session content.

Bridge to Belonging does not provide diagnostic assessments, clinical reports or formal reports for schools, local authorities or other external agencies.

 

Privacy & Data Protection

Bridge to Belonging is committed to protecting the child or young person’s privacy and handling personal information responsibly and in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Personal information is collected only where necessary to provide safe, effective and appropriate support. This may include contact details, relevant background information, session records and information required for safeguarding purposes.

All information is stored securely and treated as confidential. Personal data will not be shared with third parties unless:

• the appropriate person with regard to the child or young person’s age and competence has provided consent;
• there is a safeguarding concern;
• disclosure is required by law or
• disclosure is required by a professional or regulatory obligation.

You have the right to request access to your personal information, request corrections to inaccurate information, withdraw consent where applicable and request deletion of your data, subject to legal and safeguarding requirements.

Client records are stored securely until the child or young person reaches the age of 25 and are then confidentially and permanently destroyed. 

Any photographs of children engaged in Drawing & Talking are included with the child's and parent's consent.

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Drawing & Talking artwork: At the end of the 12-week intervention, the complete folder of artwork will be offered to the child or young person to take away with them. If the child or young person declines to keep it, it will be confidentially destroyed alongside their session notes.

A full Privacy Notice is available on request.

 

Safeguarding

The welfare of children and young people is paramount.

Bridge to Belonging follows current safeguarding guidance and works in partnership with parents, carers, schools and relevant agencies to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Any concerns regarding a child's safety or welfare will be acted upon in accordance with safeguarding procedures and may require information to be shared with appropriate professionals or agencies.