The Matrix Project is a friendly, confidential and responsive NHS service that supports people working or living in Norfolk.
We are based in Norwich, but also operate a number of satellite services across Norfolk providing a range of services from sexual health screening, contraception, emotional support, safe sex information and safe working advice. Established in 2000, we deliver county wide services to indoor and outdoor workers and those engaging in risky sexual behaviour.
Indoors
The Matrix work with sex workers across Norfolk regardless of legal or immigration status in the UK.
The Matrix can visit sex workers at their workplace. This may be a flat or a sauna or massage parlour, hotel or in your home. We can see you at our Norwich head office or at one of our satellite services across the county. We can give you free condoms, lubricant, dams, gloves, female condoms and sponges. We also help you get any advice or services you might need including information about policing and indoor sex work.
We offer wellbeing sessions and networking events with other sex workers. We have excellent links with other organisations. We can, if need be, refer to specialist services for tax and business advice, counselling, substance misuse etc.
When we visit you we can arrange testing for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and arrange for emergency contraceptive pill (to use after a condom splits). We also can arrange for Hepatitis B vaccinations.
On the street
The Matrix provides weekly outreach to women who sell sex on the streets of Norwich. Team members go out in a marked NHS van between the hours of 9pm and 12pm on a Wednesday night in the Rosary Road/Riverside area. We provide condoms, clean needles, hot drinks and snacks. The Matrix offers a limited service at night. However you can come to The Drop-In (open on Wednesday evenings at The Matrix office from 5 -8.30pm) where you can benefit from support and case management.
All of the services are provided at the drop-in which is based at The Matrix, Under 1 Roof, Westwick Street, Norwich NR2 4SZ. If you would like to learn more about our service for Norwich street sex workers contact 01603 883423 or email info.matrix@nhs.net
The kinds of services on offer are:
?Clean clothes
?Hot and cold drinks and snacks
?Free condoms
?Emergency food packs and Food vouchers
?Clean Needles and works and information on local needle exchange services
?Signing up for benefits
?Support into housing (both supported and temporary accommodation)
?Access to screening and treatment for STI?s
?Emotional and Wellbeing sessions
?Support with housing or utility bill problems
?A specialist worker who can help if you have been raped or sexually assaulted
?A specialist worker who can help if you are in trouble with the law or need help with the criminal justice system
If you would like to comment or make suggestions about our service or find out more about contact us on
info.matrix@nhs.netwww.matrixproject.orgor you can find us on Twitter @project_matrix or on Facebook at Caroline At-theMatrix
Topic: The Matrix Project Norfolk (Read 2418 times)