1. About this app
This Privacy Policy explains how the Anchor mobile and web app ("Anchor", "the app", "we", "us") handles your information. Anchor is operated by the Anchor Crisis Foundation and serves residents of British Columbia, Canada.
Questions about this policy or your information can be sent to AnchorCrisisFoundation@outlook.com.
2. The information the app handles
Information stored only on your device
Most of what Anchor remembers stays on your own device and never reaches our servers. This includes your app settings (such as language, accessibility preferences, and appearance) and any personal support plan you create. You can clear this information at any time from the app's Settings screen, or by uninstalling the app.
Anonymous usage information
To understand whether Anchor is helping people reach support quickly, the app records a small amount of anonymous activity — for example, that a session started and that a connection to a help resource was made. This is not tied to your name, an account (there is none), or your identity.
Information you choose to send us
Some features let you contact us directly. When you use them, you decide what to share:
- Community Feedback Survey: survey answers are stored anonymously for aggregate trends. Your name and email are optional; if you provide them, they travel only in the email we receive and are not saved alongside the anonymous survey data.
- Contact form: opens your own email app so you can send us a message. You choose your name, email, and what to write.
- Volunteer applications: if you apply to volunteer, you provide your name, contact details, and any documents you attach so we can follow up with you.
Device permissions
Anchor only uses a device capability when a feature you tap needs it — for example, starting a phone call to a crisis line or opening directions to a service. The app does not collect your contacts, photos, or precise location in the background.
A note for moments of crisis: Anchor is an information and guidance tool — it is not an emergency service and it does not monitor what you do in the app. If you are in immediate danger, call 911, or call or text 988 for suicide and crisis support.
3. How we use information
- To provide guidance and connect you with verified BC help resources.
- To remember your preferences and support plan on your device.
- To understand, in aggregate and anonymously, how well Anchor helps people reach support.
- To read and respond to feedback, contact messages, and volunteer applications you send us.
- To improve Anchor's content, resources, and accessibility over time.
We do not use your information for advertising, and we do not sell or rent it to anyone.
4. Who can see your information
Anonymous usage and survey trends may be viewed by our team and authorized volunteers to help improve the app. Messages, feedback, and volunteer applications you send are received by the Foundation and may be reviewed by our team and authorized volunteers who help operate Anchor. We ask everyone with access to keep this information confidential.
Service providers
We rely on a small number of trusted providers to operate Anchor, such as Microsoft (to receive and manage email) and our hosting provider. These providers process information only as needed to provide their service to us.
We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of a person.
5. How long we keep it
Information stored on your device stays until you clear it or uninstall the app. Anonymous usage and survey data are kept to track long-term trends. Emails you send us (feedback, contact messages, volunteer applications) are kept as long as needed to respond to and document them, and then disposed of in the ordinary course.
6. Your choices and rights
- You can use Anchor without creating an account or giving your name.
- You can clear your on-device data any time from the Settings screen, or by uninstalling the app.
- You can choose not to submit the survey, contact form, or volunteer application.
- You can ask us about the information you have sent us, or ask us to delete it, by emailing AnchorCrisisFoundation@outlook.com.
7. Children
Anchor provides crisis information that can help people of all ages reach support. It is not designed to collect personal information from children, and we do not knowingly request it. If you believe a child has sent us personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.
8. Security
We take reasonable steps to protect information in our care. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, but we work to keep Anchor private by design and to minimize the information we collect in the first place.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above. Significant changes will be reflected here on this page.
10. Contact us
Anchor Crisis Foundation
British Columbia, Canada
AnchorCrisisFoundation@outlook.com