Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the websites and services of Hope Community Church and Hope for Recovery ("we," "us," or "our"), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our websites or services.

These Terms apply to all visitors, users, participants, donors, and anyone who accesses or uses our services.

2. Description of Services

Hope Community Church and Hope for Recovery provide:

• Weekly worship services and church activities
• Faith-based recovery programs for addiction
• Community support services including foodbank assistance
• Prayer support and pastoral care
• School awareness programs for drug and alcohol prevention
• Online resources and information through our websites

3. Eligibility and Participation

3.1 Recovery Programs

To participate in Hope for Recovery programs:

• Participants must be at least 18 years of age
• Participants must agree to respect the faith-based nature of our programs
• Participants must commit to maintaining confidentiality within group settings
• Participants must agree to respectful conduct toward all members

3.2 Community Services

Our community services (foodbank, cafe, etc.) are open to all, regardless of faith, background, or circumstances.

3.3 Minors

Minors under 18 must have parental or guardian consent to participate in any programs. Our school awareness programs are conducted in partnership with educational institutions with appropriate safeguards.

4. User Conduct and Responsibilities

When using our services, you agree to:

• Treat all staff, volunteers, and participants with respect and dignity
• Maintain confidentiality of personal information shared within groups
• Not engage in harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior
• Use our facilities and resources responsibly
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Not use our services for any unlawful or prohibited purpose

5. Online Services and Website Use

5.1 Website Content

All content on our websites, including text, images, logos, and design, is owned by Hope Community Church and Hope for Recovery and is protected by copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission.

5.2 User Submissions

When you submit prayer requests, contact forms, or other content:

• You grant us permission to use the content for the purpose for which it was submitted
• Prayer requests may be shared with our prayer team
• You represent that you have the right to share the information
• We maintain confidentiality as outlined in our Privacy Policy

5.3 Third-Party Links

Our websites may contain links to third-party websites (DonorBox, YouTube, social media, etc.). We are not responsible for the content or practices of these external sites.

6. Donations and Financial Contributions

6.1 Donation Processing

All donations are processed through secure third-party providers (for example DonorBox). We do not store credit card information on our servers.

6.2 Use of Donations

Donations are used to support the ministry and programmes of Hope Community Church and Hope for Recovery. We make every effort to use funds as designated, but reserve the right to allocate donations where most needed.

6.3 Refund Policy

Donations are generally non-refundable. If you believe an error has occurred in processing your donation, please contact us within 14 days of the transaction.

7. Recovery Program Specific Terms

7.1 Program Nature

Hope for Recovery programmes are:

• Faith-based and incorporate Christian teaching
• Not a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment
• Peer-supported and facilitated by trained volunteers
• Designed to complement other recovery efforts

7.2 Confidentiality

Group discussions are confidential. Participants agree not to disclose information shared by other participants outside the group.

7.3 Limitations

While we provide support and community, we are not a licensed treatment facility. We may recommend professional services when appropriate.

7.4 Attendance and Participation

Regular attendance is encouraged for maximum benefit. We understand that recovery journeys have ups and downs and welcome participants regardless of recent struggles.

8. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

8.1 General Disclaimer

Our services are provided "as is" and "as available." We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the effectiveness, suitability, or outcomes of our programs.

8.2 Recovery Program Disclaimer

Important: Our recovery programs are faith-based support groups and are not medical treatment, psychological therapy, or professional counseling. Participants with serious medical or psychological conditions should seek appropriate professional care.

8.3 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hope Community Church and Hope for Recovery shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting from:

• Your use or inability to use our services
• Any conduct or content of any third party
• Unauthorized access to or alteration of your transmissions
• Any other matter relating to our services

8.4 Emergency Situations

In cases of medical emergency or immediate danger, call emergency services (999) immediately. Our volunteers are not trained emergency responders.

9. Intellectual Property

All content, materials, and resources developed by Hope Community Church and Hope for Recovery, including program materials, website content, and teaching resources, are our intellectual property. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use these materials for commercial purposes without written permission.

10. Termination

We may terminate or suspend access to our services immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including if you breach these Terms. All provisions of the Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of significant changes by posting the new Terms on this page. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

12. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Scotland, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Scotland.

13. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

14. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Hope Community Church/Hope for Recovery regarding our services and supersede any prior agreements.