What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Quick Summary: We use essential cookies to make our website work and analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site. You can control cookie preferences in your browser settings.

How We Use Cookies

Safe Haven Mental Health Project uses cookies for the following purposes:

  • To remember your preferences and settings
  • To understand how you use our website and improve user experience
  • To analyze website traffic and performance
  • To ensure our website functions properly

Types of Cookies We Use

1. Strictly Necessary Cookies

Required - Cannot be disabled

These cookies are essential for our website to function properly. Without these cookies, services you have requested cannot be provided.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
session_id Maintains your session as you navigate the site Session
cookie_consent Remembers your cookie preferences 1 year

2. Performance & Analytics Cookies

Optional - Can be disabled

These cookies collect information about how visitors use our website, such as which pages are visited most often. This helps us improve our website and user experience. All information is aggregated and anonymous.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration Provider
_ga Google Analytics - distinguishes users 2 years Google
_ga_* Google Analytics - maintains session state 2 years Google
_gid Google Analytics - distinguishes users 24 hours Google

Google Analytics:

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. Google Analytics collects information anonymously and reports website trends without identifying individual visitors. Learn more: Google Privacy Policy

3. Functional Cookies

Optional - Can be disabled

These cookies allow our website to remember choices you make (such as your preferred language or region) and provide enhanced, personalized features.

Cookie Name Purpose Duration
preferences Stores your site preferences 1 year
emergency_toast_shown Remembers if you've seen the emergency help notification Session

4. Third-Party Cookies

Optional - Can be disabled

When you use embedded content from third-party services (such as YouTube videos, social media share buttons, or maps), these services may set their own cookies.

Third-party services we may use:

  • YouTube: For embedded videos - Privacy Policy
  • Social Media Platforms: For sharing content - Check individual platform privacy policies
  • Payment Processors: For donation processing - Check processor's privacy policy
Note: We do not control these third-party cookies. Please refer to the respective third-party websites for more information.

How to Manage Cookies

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie preferences by:

Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. However, if you block cookies, you may not be able to use all features of our website.

Google Chrome

Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data

Learn more →

Mozilla Firefox

Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data

Learn more →

Safari (macOS)

Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data

Learn more →

Microsoft Edge

Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies

Learn more →

Opt-Out of Google Analytics

You can prevent Google Analytics from recognizing you on return visits by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on:

Download Google Analytics Opt-out Add-on

Do Not Track (DNT)

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Our website currently respects DNT signals.

Session vs. Persistent Cookies

Session Cookies

Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.

Purpose: Enable basic website functionality during your visit.

Persistent Cookies

Remain on your device for a set period (as specified in the cookie).

Purpose: Remember your preferences for future visits.

Impact of Disabling Cookies

If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that:

  • Some parts of our website may become inaccessible or not function properly
  • You may need to manually adjust preferences every time you visit
  • We won't be able to remember your cookie consent preferences
  • Certain personalized features may not be available
Tip: We recommend allowing at least essential cookies to ensure the best experience on our website.

Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legislation, or our cookie practices. Please check this page periodically for updates.

The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.

Questions About Cookies?

If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us: