Organisations that support individuals with issues relating to sex work.
Organisations in Bristol
One25 is a Bristol charity that supports women who are street sex working. They reach out to women to help move them from crisis and trauma towards independence. They offer:
- Three afternoons a week where women can see a specialist nurse, sexual health nurse, and GP and get essentials such as sanitary products, condoms, alarms, takeaway food bags, and clothing
- Specialist Caseworkers who provide holistic one-to-one support including with mental health, housing, addiction, and domestic violence issues
- A night outreach van that provides food, clothing, condoms, safety alarms, and harm reduction kits
Beloved offer support to women working in the indoor sex industry such as online, massage parlours, lap dancing clubs or other indoor venues in Bristol and the surrounding areas.
Their aim is to offer love, hope and time to talk, to women whether they are remaining in the industry, seeking to leave it or have already left, and are available for casual meetups like coffee or walks, or can chat over WhatsApp, or Zoom.
They bring gift bags containing cake, toiletries, safety information, personal attack alarms, safety information, and signpost to local organisations such as specialist sexual health clinics, debt advice, housing support, mental health services, and community groups.
The Nelson Trust is a charity that is focused on addressing addiction and multiple disadvantages through community-based Women's Centres, residential rehabilitation, and hub enterprises in across the South West. Bristol's Women's centre is at Protheroes House. They offer:
- trauma-informed, gender-responsive support, offering one-to-one sessions, group work, and access to specialist services
- educational courses, workshops, and wellbeing groups, with facilities like creches, showers, and cafes
Woman Kind is a Bristol charity that helps women improve their mental health and wellbeing. They focus on disadvantaged women who have experienced trauma or abuse, often leading to mental health issues. Their services cater to a diverse demographic, including women involved in different types of sex work. They offer:
- Individual Counselling: one-on-one sessions for mental health issues and trauma.
- Group Psychotherapy: facilitated group support.
- Befriending: emotional support and companionship from trained volunteers.
- Helpline and Webchat: confidential support for mental health and well-being, with around 5,000 calls annually.
- Counselling for Girls Affected by Domestic Abuse (CADA): specialist trauma counselling for girls and young women aged 16 to 18.
- Safer Women's Project: Counselling for refugees, trafficked women, and asylum seekers.
- Services with counsellors trained in British Sign Language. for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Women.
Woman Kind also engages in advocacy and collaborates with various sexual violence and abuse agencies to promote gender equality and support women.
Trafficking
If you or someone you know has been affected by trafficking or modern-day slavery contact Unseen for support.
Sexual health services
Sexual health services in Bristol.
Brigstowe is a Bristol charity, that supports individuals living with or affected by HIV across BNSSG. Their comprehensive, person-centred services aim to improve clients' quality of life and independence. Their services include:
- Advice and support: practical help with health, housing, and benefits, and re-engagement with care.
- Peer Support: one-to-one mentoring and support groups.
- Migrant & Asylum Support: specialized assistance for migrants and asylum seekers with HIV.
- Health Services: support for long-term conditions like type 2 diabetes and long COVID.
Drugs and alcohol
Visit support for people who use drugs and alcohol if you live in Bristol and you need support for yourself, a young person, friend, family member or if you're a professional who needs to make a referral support for people who use drugs and alcohol.
Domestic and sexual violence
The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) supports individuals who have experienced rape or sexual assault, they offer:
- Medical Care: immediate and follow-up attention for physical health needs.
- Emotional and Psychological Support: trauma-informed counselling and therapy.
- Practical Assistance: guidance with legal processes, safety planning, and other needs.
The Bridge provides a safe, supportive environment 24/7, 365 days a year for all ages. They also support friends and family of survivors.
Next Link Bristol offe a range of specialist domestic abuse services for women, men, and children, these include:
- Safe Houses: provide secure accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse.
- Children and Young People's Services: support tailored for younger survivors.
- Dedicated services for survivors: specific support for survivors from black or minoritized communities, and LGBTQ+ survivors.
- Group Work: facilitated group sessions for survivors.
- Resettlement and Outreach Services: assistance with transitioning to independent living.
- Crisis Response Service: immediate support for those in urgent need.
They also offer a domestic abuse, stalking and 'honour'-based violence (DASH) risk assessment and referrals to the Domestic Violence Multi Agency Risk Assesment Conferemce ( MARAC) if necessary.
Safe Link in Bristol offer a range of services to support victims of rape and sexual abuse across the Avon and Somerset area, including:
- Emotional and Practical Support: for anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual abuse, regardless of whether they have reported it to the police.
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs): providing one-to-one support, including help with navigating the criminal justice system.
- Crisis Support: immediate assistance for those in urgent need.
- Peer Support Groups: facilitated groups for survivors to share experiences and support each other.
- Training and Practical Skills Sessions: to help survivors rebuild their lives.
- Communication Support: by email, text, Skype, and WhatsApp.
Safe Link operates from several hubs across the region, including Keynsham, South Gloucestershire, Bridgewater, and Bristol.
SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) Bristol offer a variety of services to support individuals affected by rape and sexual abuse. Their services include:
- Helpline, E-Support, and Live Chat: providing support and information for people aged 13+ affected by rape or sexual abuse at any time in their lives.
- Specialist Support Work: tailored support for individuals aged 18+ across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.
- Counselling: for people of all genders, aged 18+, provided by qualified practitioners experienced in working with those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
- Group Work: facilitated group sessions to empower and heal survivors.
- Learning Disability and Autism Support: specialized services for women who are autistic or have learning disabilities.
- Self-Help Guides: printable and downloadable guides on trauma, feelings, emotions, and coping strategies
SARSAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses their services. They offer confidential support via telephone, email, and online chat.