INTRODUCTION

Welcome to RBYS (Rebuild Your Self). Your privacy, safety, and trust are the foundation of our work. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and handle your personal information when you visit our website, contact us, or use our services. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality in everything we do.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CONFIDENTIALITY

At RBYS, confidentiality is not just a policy – it is a core ethical principle. Whether you are browsing our website, reaching out for information, or participating in our counseling or training programs, your personal information is treated with the utmost care and respect.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information in the following ways:

A. Information You Provide Directly:

Contact information (name, phone number, email address)

Basic demographic information (age, gender, location)

Information shared during inquiries or intake sessions

Messages sent through our contact forms or email

B. Information Collected Automatically:

Website usage data (pages visited, time spent on site)

Device and browser information

IP address (for security purposes only)

C. Sensitive Information:

Any personal or sensitive information shared during counseling sessions, support groups, or training programs is protected under strict clinical confidentiality standards and is not stored on our website.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use your information only for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries and provide information about our services
• To schedule appointments and manage your participation in programs
• To improve our website and services
• To send important updates about our programs (only if you have given permission)
• To ensure the security of our website and services

3. CONFIDENTIALITY OF COUNSELING & SUPPORT SERVICES

Special Note on Therapeutic Confidentiality:

Information shared during counseling sessions, support groups, or therapeutic services is protected by professional ethical standards and is kept completely confidential. This information is not part of our website data collection and is stored separately in secure, encrypted client records.

Limits to Confidentiality:

We are legally and ethically required to break confidentiality only in these rare situations:

• If there is immediate risk of harm to yourself or others
• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult
• If we receive a court order

We will always strive to discuss this with you first, whenever possible.

4. HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

Security Measures:

• All electronic information is protected with encryption
• Paper records are stored in locked, secure cabinets
• Our staff receive regular training on confidentiality and data protection
• Access to personal information is limited to authorized personnel only

Website Security:

• Our website uses SSL encryption (shown by "https://" in the address bar)
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Secure hosting environment

5. INFORMATION SHARING & DISCLOSURE

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to anyone.

We may share information only in these specific circumstances:

• With your explicit written consent
• With service providers who help us operate our website and services (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• When required by Gambian law
• To protect the rights, safety, or property of RBYS, our clients, or the public

6. YOUR RIGHTS & CHOICES

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and clinical record-keeping requirements)
• Opt out of non-essential communications
• Withdraw consent for specific uses of your information
• To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@rbys.gm

7. DATA RETENTION

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for:

• The purposes for which it was collected
• Compliance with Gambian laws and regulations
• Clinical record-keeping requirements (typically 7 years for counseling records, unless otherwise specified by law)

8. COOKIES & WEBSITE TRACKING

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us understand how visitors use our site.

How we use cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site (anonymous data only)
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

Your choices:

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling essential cookies may affect how our website functions.

9. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our website may contain links to other websites (such as partner organizations or resources). This Privacy Policy applies only to RBYS. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any other websites you visit.

10. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

We are committed to protecting the privacy of children. For clients under 18, we require parental or guardian consent for counseling services. Our website is not designed to collect information from children without parental consent.

11. INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

RBYS is based in The Gambia and operates under Gambian laws. If you are visiting our website from outside The Gambia, please be aware that your information may be transferred to and processed in The Gambia, where data protection laws may differ.

12. POLICY UPDATES

We may update this Privacy Policy occasionally. The updated version will be posted on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

13. CONTACT US ABOUT PRIVACY

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact our Privacy Officer:

RBYS Privacy Officer

📧 privacy@rbys.gm

📞 +220 738-8664 (ask for the Privacy Officer)

📍 RBYS Center, 23 Liberation Street, Kanifing, The Gambia

YOUR TRUST IS SACRED TO US

At RBYS, we understand that sharing personal information, especially about sensitive matters, requires tremendous trust. We honor that trust by protecting your privacy with the highest level of care and professionalism.

Your healing journey is safe with us – in our counseling rooms and on our website.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This policy applies only to information collected through our website and administrative processes. Clinical confidentiality is governed by separate ethical guidelines.
• In case of emergency or crisis, please contact emergency services or go to your nearest health facility.
• By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.