Drop-In Service
POW runs a comprehensive drop-in service for anybody who is a current or past sex worker, including anybody who has been affected by sex work. Drop-in services include:
- 1-2-1 support sessions
- Free harm minimisation supplies (condoms, lubricant, foil, rape alarms etc.)
- Advice on staying safe while working
- National Ugly Mug information
- Benefits, welfare and debt advice
- Housing support and advice
- Clothes bank
- Showering and laundry services
- Access to a confidential space to discuss emotional wellbeing with one of our drop-in workers
- Free access to the internet in our computer room
- Needle exchange
- Advice on progression, education and training
- Specialist clinics (sexual health, drugs, physiotherapy etc.) For more information please click here.
- Advocacy
- Referral for counselling services
- Contraception advice
- Holistic craft sessions
Our Drop-In Hours are:
Monday 1pm – 4pm
Tuesday 1pm – 4pm
Wednesday 1pm – 4pm
Thursday 1pm – 5.30pm
Due to COVID our drop in hours have reduced and are at a social distance on Monday and Thursday from 1pm-3pm
In 2018-2019 our drop-in service was accessed by 162 individuals over 1900 times.
Outreach
POW runs an assertive outreach 3 times per week on our specially equipped van to engage with and see on-street workers as well as to do selective home visits for those workers would who like to see us.
On outreach we provide food, harm minimisation supplies, support with incident reporting, general advice and signposting. We also hand out essential items such as warm layers, umbrellas, gloves and hot drinks. We can also undertake some sexual health screening on our van for those who find it difficult to access sexual health services.
During outreach sessions we can speak to workers about the latest information on any risky or dodgy punters. We can also take reports of any violent incidents for the National Ugly Mug scheme. Often we will signpost workers to our drop-in as a result of seeing them on outreach sessions.
In our latest report we supported over 100 individuals through our outreach service over a period of 12 months.
Off-Street
We support those who work off-street including at home, in flats, saunas and other venues. Our specialist off-street worker can arrange regular visits for anybody wishing to receive support from POW. This includes harm minimisation, advice on online safety, peer mentoring, advice and support on reporting, access to National Ugly Mugs and sexual health screening.
We support anybody working that advertises services online and you can get in touch with POW to request support around this work by calling our phone line or emailing sarah@pow-advice.co.uk
Progression
If you are a current or past sex worker who wants support with education, training, employment, community integration, befriending, activities or progression in any part of your life then please contact holly@pow-advice.co.uk for advice and support.
Support With Reporting
POW are proud to a member of the National Ugly Mugs organisation.
National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is a pioneering, national organisation which provides greater access to justice and protection for sex workers who are often targeted by dangerous individuals but are frequently reluctant to report these incidents to the police. These offenders are often serial sexual predators who pose a huge risk to the public as a whole. Their mission is to end violence against sex workers.
To this end we can support any sex worker to make an anonymous report to the Ugly Mugs service or give guidance on how to sign up and report on an individual basis. POW shares Ugly Mug reports with clients to try and help keep them informed and to make safe choices.
To make an individual report please click here, alternatively you are always welcome to contact any of our team at POW to report on your behalf or guide you through this process.
