Privacy Policy

Sight Loss Ministries is a charitable mission organisation that provides holistic Christian resources and services for people with sight loss. We do so in the following ways:

• We organise events where people with sight loss come together with sighted people, focusing on social and spiritual needs.

• We provide befriending for adults with sight loss.

• We provide advice and support for people with sight loss regarding how they can access Christian content in a suitable format.

• We signpost to other services for people with sight loss in the UK.

As the controller of the information we collect, Sight Loss Ministries has a legal duty to protect your information and inform you of your rights.

Sight Loss Ministries is a company limited by guarantee and registered in Northern Ireland as Sight Loss Ministries Limited, company no. NI681987. We are also a registered charity in Northern Ireland no. 108622. Contact details are at the end of this document.

1. Personal Data We Collect

The type of personal data we collect depends on why you interact with us:

A. People with sight loss / service users

• Name, address, email, and phone number.

• Health-related information where necessary to provide services (e.g., matching with befrienders).

• Safeguarding concerns or incidents.

• Event attendance and dietary preferences linked to individuals.

• Support notes, follow-up actions, and monitoring records (stored securely, password protected where sensitive).

• Personal stories or interviews: If you choose to share your story or participate in an interview, we will collect and store information with your explicit consent.

• Photographs at events: Please note that photographs are regularly taken at our events and may be used on our website, social media, news updates, promotional materials, or in connection with grants. If you would prefer not to have your photo used, including those from past events, please let us know.

B. Missionaries and Volunteers (befrienders, drivers, event helpers)

• Application forms, references, and AccessNI check information.

• Training records and supervision notes.

C. Trustees

• Contact details, declaration of interests, training records, meeting attendance.

D. Donors / Supporters

• Name, address, email, phone, donation history, Gift Aid declarations.

• Payment details processed via secure platforms; we do not store card numbers.

2. How We Collect Information

We may collect information when you:

• Contact us by phone, email, post, online, or via social media.

• Attend events, make donations, or fundraise.

• Volunteer, work with us, or submit applications.

3. Where We Collect Information From

• Directly from you.

• Indirectly, e.g., references or vetting checks.

From other organisations, such as payment platforms that we work with to process payments, subject to their privacy policies.

4. How We Use Your Personal Information

We use personal data to:

• Manage event bookings.

• Provide support or advice.

• Process donations, legacies, volunteer applications.

• Send communications of interest (prayer points, news, or in connection with fundraising).

• Analyse and improve our services and website.

• Maintain accurate organisational records.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

• Consent: e.g., subscription to updates. Can be withdrawn at any time.

• Legal obligation: e.g., regulatory compliance, due diligence.

• Contract: e.g., event bookings or employment/volunteer agreements.

• Vital interests: e.g., emergencies or safeguarding issues.

• Legitimate interests: e.g., improving our services, fundraising, maintaining contact.

6. How We Protect Your Data

• Access is restricted to authorised workers.

• Sensitive data (e.g., volunteer applications, befriender information) is password protected.

• Data is stored securely and transmitted safely.

7. Sharing Personal Data

We generally do not share personal data without consent. Exceptions include:

• Required by law or regulators.

• Processing payments or using third-party service providers (e.g., MailChimp, Stripe, GoCardless).

• Very occasionally, we may share a limited amount of personal information to act with care, compassion, and common sense, where we reasonably believe the individual would expect it (e.g., a bereavement). Any such sharing is considered on a case-by-case basis, limited to what is strictly necessary, and carried out respectfully.

8. Data Transfers Outside the UK

Where necessary, we transfer data only to countries with appropriate safeguards, such as certain processors in the EU or USA.

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies from Google to deliver services and analyse traffic. By using the site, you consent to the use of cookies. More information: Google Cookies https://policies.google.com/technologies/cookies 

10. Individuals Aged Under 18

We do not knowingly process personal data from anyone under 18 without parental or guardian consent.

11. Retention of Data

We keep personal data only for as long as necessary for the purpose collected, including operational needs, safeguarding, donor obligations, or legal requirements. Records are reviewed periodically and securely deleted or anonymised when no longer needed.

12. Your Rights

You may:

• Withdraw consent where applicable.

• Object to processing on legitimate interest grounds.

• Request a copy of your data.

• Request corrections, erasure, or restriction.

Requests should be submitted by email, post, or phone (see contact below). We respond within one month unless complex, in which case we may extend by two months.

13. Contact Details

Email: info@sightlossministries.org

Phone: 07516 636741

Address: 7 Holstein Lodge, Lisburn, BT28 2QB

Complaints may be made to the Information Commissioner’s Office: ICO: https://ico.org.uk/concerns/ 

14. Changes to this Policy

This policy is reviewed periodically. Please check it whenever you provide personal information.

Date last reviewed by the trustees: 22nd January 2026