Terms of Service

1. Introduction

 

Welcome to Friendly Footsteps (“we,” “our,” or “us”).

 

We provide friendly, non-therapeutic companionship through walk-and-talk sessions in public outdoor spaces.

 

By booking or participating in a session with Friendly Footsteps, you (“the client”) agree to these Terms of Service.

 

If you do not agree, please do not proceed with a booking.

 

2. Nature of the Service

 

Friendly Footsteps offers companionship and social walking experiences only.

 

We are not a counselling, therapy, escort, or medical service.

 

No medical, psychological, or legal advice is provided during sessions.

 

All walks are conducted in public spaces for mutual safety and transparency.

 

3. Eligibility

 

To book a service, you must:

 

Be 18 years or older.

 

Be physically able to participate safely in light walking activity.

 

Provide accurate information during booking (e.g., contact details, mobility needs, emergency contact).

 

Agree to follow these Terms of Service and any reasonable instructions from your companion during walks.

 

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel bookings for any reason, including safety concerns or inappropriate behaviour.

 

4. Bookings & Payments

 

Bookings must be made in advance through our approved online system or by direct contact.

 

Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed.

 

Accepted payment methods: card, bank transfer, or online payment service.

 

Prices are listed on our website and may change periodically with notice.

 

Your booking confirmation constitutes a binding agreement for the scheduled session.

 

5. Cancellations & Refunds

 

Client Cancellations:

 

More than 24 hours’ notice: Full refund or free reschedule.

 

Less than 24 hours’ notice: 50% charge applies.

 

No-show: Full session fee is non-refundable.

 

Company Cancellations:

 

If Friendly Footsteps must cancel due to illness, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered:

 

A full refund, or

 

The option to reschedule at no cost.

 

Refunds are processed within 5 working days.

 

6. Safety & Conduct

 

Your safety is our top priority.

To ensure a positive and secure experience:

 

All companions are DBS-checked and trained in basic safety protocols.

 

Walks take place only in public, agreed locations.

 

Clients must wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking.

 

Aggressive, inappropriate, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.

 

Alcohol or illegal substances are strictly prohibited during sessions.

 

Friendly Footsteps reserves the right to terminate a session immediately if safety or conduct concerns arise.

 

7. Health & Liability

 

Participation in walking activities carries an inherent risk of minor injury or fatigue.

By booking, you confirm that:

 

You are medically fit to walk and participate.

 

You take full responsibility for your own health and safety during the walk.

 

You will inform the companion of any relevant medical conditions or mobility issues before the session.

 

Friendly Footsteps and its representatives are not liable for:

 

Personal injury or loss unless caused by proven negligence.

 

Loss or damage to personal belongings.

 

Weather-related cancellations or route adjustments.

 

We maintain Public Liability Insurance to cover our professional activities.

 

8. Data Protection & Privacy

 

We respect your privacy.

All personal information is handled in compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

 

Information we may collect:

 

Name, contact details, and emergency contact.

 

Session history and feedback.

 

Data is used only for booking management, communication, and service improvement.

We never sell or share your data with third parties.

 

You may request access or deletion of your data at any time by contacting us directly.

 

9. Confidentiality

 

Conversations during walks are treated with respect and discretion.

However, companions have a duty of care to report concerns if:

 

You disclose intent to harm yourself or others.

 

There is a safeguarding issue involving a vulnerable person.

 

10. Weather & Route Changes

 

Sessions proceed in light rain or mild weather.

Severe weather (storms, ice, heat warnings) may result in rescheduling or an indoor alternative (e.g., covered walkway or café chat).

 

Route adjustments may occur for safety or accessibility reasons.

 

11. Intellectual Property

 

All website content, text, and materials under Friendly Footsteps are owned by the business and protected by copyright.

 

You may not reproduce or distribute materials without written consent.

 

12. Complaints & Feedback

 

We welcome your feedback.

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your experience:

 

Contact us by email within 7 days of the session.

 

We will investigate and respond within 14 days.

If unresolved, you may contact Citizens Advice or the Small Business Commissioner for guidance.

 

13. Amendments

 

Friendly Footsteps reserves the right to amend these Terms of Service at any time.

 

Updated terms will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

 

Continued use of our services implies acceptance of the latest terms.

 

14. Governing Law

 

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

 

15. Liability & Safety

 

Friendly Footsteps provides a companionship and wellbeing service involving gentle walking and conversation. We are not a medical, therapeutic, or fitness service, and no medical advice or diagnosis is given.

 

All clients take part in walks voluntarily and are responsible for assessing their own physical health and ability to participate.

Clients are advised to consult their GP or healthcare professional if they have any medical concerns before joining a walk.

 

While every effort is made to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, Friendly Footsteps and its representatives accept no liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from participation, except where required by law.

 

Friendly Footsteps holds Public Liability Insurance and will cooperate fully with any investigation or claim arising from an incident within the scope of that cover.

 

Acceptance

 

By booking and participating in a Friendly Footsteps session, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.