MWAH – Migrant Project

POW runs a specialist project aimed at targeting anybody sex working from outside of the UK, to whom English is not their first language and who may need assistance with immigration status, education on their rights and any other general support living in the UK whilst undertaking sex work.

Our specialist worker Diana can provide interpreting services, has translated materials for workers from various countries from round the world so that they have accessible booklets around consent and their rights as sex workers within the UK.

Diana can help migrant workers with benefits, immigration status, housing matters, debt advice, support navigating government systems, signposting to services, legal advice, interpreting, advocacy and supporting with appointments to NHS services. Diana also helps migrant clients with integrating into the UK, social communities and networks and day to day living matters.  

Case Study

“It helped me realise that I have to look after myself, go and have regular health checks, stop sending money to (exploitative) boyfriends, which I am not doing anymore. I was informed what are my rights as a sex worker in the UK. I was told that some of the things I am doing are illegal, so I have stopped doing them.

I was a really bad girl before; I am so much better now. (The MWAH Worker) helped me to look at the bigger picture and understand that even if I work in the sex industry there are things I should be proud of. I understood that I am not only a puppet that is easily manipulated by men; I am a human being and I should be respected.

I have also been helped to understand how landlords are taking advantage of sex working people by asking them to pay double the rent just to accept them in their properties. So, I was prepared for what was the worst. I never signed a tenancy agreement before. (The MWAH Worker) read it and made sure it is right. And on top of everything I was helped to fly back to my country after the landlord kicked me out with only two hours’ notice. (The MWAH Worker) booked me a flight, a cheap hotel room for the night and a safe taxi to the airport, things I wouldn’t have been able to do as I didn’t have a bank card.

I have a baby now and I live with my biological dad. I feel like it’s somebody else’s story. (The support) made me a better person, caring and loving, while before I was just selfish. I am looking more after myself and after my child. I became more mature and I want my son to be proud of me.  POW is simply amazing.”

In 2020 the MWAH project supported 43 migrant workers within Nottingham. Feedback from MWAH clients included:

"I couldn't have asked for more, and it's all free, how amazing! I felt like there is someone on this planet that cares for me without judging the fact that I am a sex worker.”
“POW was amazing. Every time I needed something I have phoned (the MWAH Project Worker). I had many one to one sessions as I have felt very low and depressed due to the fact that I didn't make money and I couldn't sent anything home.”

Feedback from our partner agencies in 2020 include:

 
“It’s a huge role. MWAH brings the trust and credibility to services. She cares for people and they see that, she then brings them to us. She helped them to navigate the healthcare system. If you don’t know things and can’t find your way around it, or you get stigmatised or judged, then people can be put off forever. It’s essential to engage and support people into services.”
“The MWAH Project has meant we can discuss concerns about migrants in the community to safeguard them. The worker has supported people to report and will pass on safeguarding concerns. Without the MWAH Project there would be no access to this community.”