Terms of Use

Holding Space Terms of Use
Last updated: 26 September 2026

Holding Space is provided by The Golden Thread Project Ltd ("we", "us"), a company registered in England and Wales (company number 16433383), registered office: 

1. Acceptance of terms
By downloading, accessing or using Holding Space, you agree to these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the app.

2. Eligibility
You must be 18 years or older to use Holding Space.

3. Description of service
Holding Space gives you access to Cara, an AI companion for supportive conversation, and guided breathing exercises. Cara is an AI, not a person. It is not a licensed therapist, counsellor or medical professional, and Holding Space is not a substitute for professional mental health care or an emergency service. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis helpline. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans are available free, 24/7, on 116 123.

4. Subscriptions

• Holding Space is free to download. Using the app requires a subscription at £5.99 a month (or the equivalent in your local currency), billed through your Apple ID.
• New subscribers are eligible for a 7-day free trial. Your subscription renews automatically, and you will be charged, unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the trial or the current billing period.
• You can cancel anytime in your Apple ID account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.
• Deleting the app or your account does not cancel your subscription.
• Refunds are handled by Apple under its App Store policies. We do not process refunds directly.

5. Acceptable use
You agree not to use Holding Space to:

• harm, threaten or harass others
• upload or share unlawful or abusive content
• attempt to reverse-engineer, exploit or misuse the app or its AI system

6. Content and conversations
Cara's replies are generated by AI and may occasionally be inaccurate or inappropriate despite our efforts. Use your own judgement, and do not rely on Cara for medical, legal or financial advice.

7. Account deletion
You may delete your account at any time in the app under Settings → Delete Account. This is immediate and permanent and cannot be undone. It does not cancel your subscription (see section 4).

8. Intellectual property
All app content, branding and design (excluding your own messages) are owned by The Golden Thread Project Ltd.

9. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account if you seriously or repeatedly break these terms.

10. Limitation of liability
We provide Holding Space with reasonable care and skill. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss arising from your use of the app. Nothing in these terms limits our liability where it cannot be limited by law, or affects your statutory rights as a consumer.

11. Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. We will let you know in the app about significant changes.

12. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may also bring proceedings in your local courts.

13. Contact
Questions about these terms: hello@thegoldenthreadproject.org