SAAFE forum
General Category => Sex Work Projects => Topic started by: SWOP on 15 September 2015, 04:53:44 pm
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Hi ?
SWOP is a discreet and confidential service for women working in the sex industry in the Brighton and Hove area.
Our SWOP workers understand the many different reasons that women work in the sex industry. We will not force you to give up sex work or make any assumptions about your situation and your choices. Our main concern is your safety and wellbeing and these are some of the ways we can support you:
- Free condoms and lube + dental dams and femidoms
- Sex work and the law
- Support and advice regarding welfare services.
- Drugs and alcohol advice
- Support, advice and info around sexual health and safety issues or other issues related to sex work.
- One to one support on an ongoing basis: Women receiving ongoing support from us can meet with us for regular sessions. We would support you with addressing any worries or concerns you have - such as improving safety, health issues, housing issues, financial problems, drugs and alcohol, mental health or access to counselling. We can also offer support or advice if you are thinking about leaving sex work or just want to increase your options for the future.
- Dodgy punter list and reporting scheme: If you have a bad experience at work and report an incident we can offer you support. With your permission we can warn other sex workers in the area about the incident via our Dodgy Punter List (keeping your details anonymous). We can also report this to the UKNSWP's UK wide National Ugly Mugs Database. If you would like to report the incident to the police we can also support you with this.
If we can't help you directly with something we will so our best to help find someone who can.
There is a bit more information about SWOP and Brighton Oasis Project's other services on our website: www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop.html
Or please email us at swop@brightonoasisproject.co.uk
You can also phone or text us for support, advice or more information:
Landline = 01273 675526
Mel - 07801376158
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Bad week? Bad client? Need to talk? Our anonymous and confidential helpline is open tonight 5-7.30 pm. Ring us! 01273 087047 Text us! 07713 023950 or Webchat on our website http://www.oasisproject.org.uk/services/swop/
We are here to listen and offer support.
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If you are feeling like this :FF
or this ???
or even this :(
and want to have a chat, the SWOP helpline is available to call from now until 19.30. Whatever you want to discuss, we are on the end of the line. 01273 087047.
http://www.oasisproject.org.uk/services/swop/ - for webchat
Give us a call!!!
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Our helpline is now open every Tuesday from 5pm to 7:30pm. We are staffed by female volunteers.
SWOP Sussex is a discreet and confidential and trans-inclusive service for women working in the sex industry. We aim to promote and improve the health, safety and wellbeing of sex workers in Sussex.
Contact us for a chat today. We are here to listen and support you about anything that is on your mind.
• Ring us! 01273 087047
• Text us! 07713 023950
• Chat to us! Webchat is in the bottom right of our page -see link below.
Click here for more information http://www.oasisproject.org.uk/services/swop/ (http://www.oasisproject.org.uk/services/swop/)
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Our helpline will not be open over Christmas and new year, but our services are.
Victoria will be on call throughout and her number is: 07880716001
You can call or text at any time. We will be offering outreach services, or if you want to call for a chat about anything, please do.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
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We are doing outreach today, so drop us a call or text if you need anything.
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Our helpline is now open every Tuesday from 5pm to 7:30pm. We are staffed by female volunteers.
SWOP Sussex is a discreet and confidential and trans-inclusive service for women working in the sex industry. We aim to promote and improve the health, safety and wellbeing of sex workers in Sussex.
Contact us for a chat today. We are here to listen and support you about anything that is on your mind.
• Ring us! 01273 087047
• Text us! 07713 023950
• Chat to us! Webchat is in the bottom right of our page -see link below.
Click here for more information http://www.oasisproject.org.uk/services/swop/
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Hello everyone :)
SWOP are up and running outreach services across Brighton, Hove and East Sussex ;D
If you need any free condoms, lube, self-test kits or just a natter, let us know and we'll pop over to see you.
Thanks,
Emma at SWOP
07880716001
01273 696970
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Hello everyone :)
SWOP are up and running outreach services across Brighton, Hove and East Sussex ;D
If you need any free condoms, lube, self-test kits or just a natter, let us know and we'll pop over to see you.
Thanks,
Emma at SWOP
07880716001
01273 696970
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Hi all,
This coming Thursday 26th SWOP will be out in Brighton facilitating a peer-led cafe meet up for you to network, hang out and get your hands on free goodies and advice! ;D
Share a space with like-minded others where you can grab some free condoms and lube, share tips on safety and health, and just have a general natter over a lovely hot beverage. As a peer-led meet up, you'll be able to relax and get what you need from a friendly group of fellow sex workers, and SWOP will be on hand for further support and advice if wanted.
For more information please contact Emma on 07880716001 / 01273696970 :)
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Hey, hope everyone's Monday is treating them well! ::)
Here at SWOP we are looking to better the service we have available for the online sex worker community in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex so we've put together a short anonymous survey to find out how we can do so!
Please follow the link below to have your say in how we can make our service more online friendly :)
https://forms.gle/BVCoHfwLCRo6rY2a7
Any questions, please email Alice at swopsurvey@gmail.com
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Hey all,
This week is Alcohol Awareness Week. Why are we mentioning this on a sex work forum? Well, did you know SWOP offer support and advice around alcohol and substance issues?
As a service we can help direct you to people who can really make a difference, whilst letting you lead the way. So if you feel you could do with a helping hand in looking at any issues you may have with alcohol (or any other substance) feel free to reach out to us.
As it's a Tuesday, we will be available for drop-in's at our Brighton office from 5pm and will be happy to take your calls on 01273 087947, texts on 07713 023950 and web chats at oasisproject.org.uk. Remember, SWOP are here to support you around all things, confidentially and judgement free.
:)
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Hi all,
After a successful first meet up, Condoms and Coffee returns to Brighton this Friday! 8)
This peer-led cafe meet up is a space for you to network, hang out and get your hands on free goodies and advice! The SWOP team will also be at hand for any burning questions or support you may need.
Share a space with like-minded others where you can grab some free condoms and lube, share tips on safety and health, and just have a general natter over a lovely hot beverage. As a peer-led meet up, you'll be able to relax and get what you need from a friendly group of fellow sex workers.
For more information please contact Emma on 07880716001 / 01273696970 :D
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Hey all!
Here at SWOP we've been looking into personal safety alarms and how frequently they are used by sex workers and when they are used, how well they have worked. We'd be interested to hear from you about if you've used a personal alarm in the past or if you'd consider one in the future (especially if it were a discrete alarm).
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has a great section on Personal Alarms under their Personal Safety section - feel free to check it out to get an idea what we mean by personal alarms - https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/personal-safety
Any questions let us know :)
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What's SWOP?
I have big respect for The Suzy Lamplugh Trust and her family's work for safety.
I used an alarm and decided they're useless for me, the guy put his ear to it and laughed!...and I felt like a right wally. Luckily he was annoying, not dangerous.
Personally, if I'm in a dangerous situation I have to be immediately physically aggressive and destroy the threat. There's no time or opportunity to debate pressing this or that gadget.
Personal alarms are a nice idea but I think can give a false sense of security.
There's no guarantee an alarm will scare off a predator or summon help.
They can't replace keeping your wits about you.
The whole gadget-distraction thing is complex I guess....I've read quite a few accounts of providers who knew they were in danger and wasted time texting a friend for options rather than escaping. Dependence on phones as a lifeline can also get in the way of action sometimes I think.
Just my view. I know others will have different strategies.
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What's SWOP?
I have big respect for The Suzy Lamplugh Trust and her family's work for safety.
I used an alarm and decided they're useless for me, the guy put his ear to it and laughed!...and I felt like a right wally. Luckily he was annoying, not dangerous.
Personally, if I'm in a dangerous situation I have to be immediately physically aggressive and destroy the threat. There's no time or opportunity to debate pressing this or that gadget.
Personal alarms are a nice idea but I think can give a false sense of security.
There's no guarantee an alarm will scare off a predator or summon help.
They can't replace keeping your wits about you.
The whole gadget-distraction thing is complex I guess....I've read quite a few accounts of providers who knew they were in danger and wasted time texting a friend for options rather than escaping. Dependence on phones as a lifeline can also get in the way of action sometimes I think.
Just my view. I know others will have different strategies.
Thank you for your feedback on personal alarms!
SWOP is the Sex Workers' Outreach Project at Oasis Project in Brighton :) It is a discreet and confidential service for self-identifying women working in the sex industry across Sussex.
Our SWOP workers understand the many different reasons that women work in the sex industry. We will not force you to give up sex work or make any assumptions about your situation and your choices. Our main concern is your safety and wellbeing and these are some of the ways we can support you:
- Free condoms and lube
- Sex work and the law
- Support and advice regarding welfare services.
- Drugs and alcohol advice
- Support, advice and info around sexual health and safety issues or other issues related to sex work.
- One to one support on an ongoing basis: Women receiving ongoing support from us can meet with us for regular sessions. We would support you with addressing any worries or concerns you have - such as improving safety, health issues, housing issues, financial problems, drugs and alcohol, mental health or access to counselling. We can also offer support or advice if you are thinking about leaving sex work or just want to increase your options for the future.
- Dodgy punter list and reporting scheme: If you have a bad experience at work and report an incident we can offer you support. With your permission we can warn other sex workers in the area about the incident via our Dodgy Punter List (keeping your details anonymous). We can also report this to the UKNSWP's UK wide National Ugly Mugs Database. If you would like to report the incident to the police we can also support you with this.
If we can't help you directly with something we will so our best to help find someone who can.
There is a bit more information about SWOP at the following website: oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex :)
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Hey everyone
Just an update about our service in light of the current chaos the world is in...
WE’RE STILL HERE! That’s a win right? :D
We won’t be doing any face to face meetings right now (stay home and stay safe) but you can still talk to us online and via phone. Here’s how you can get in touch with us should you need support, or even just a chat, during this time.
Email: swop@oasisproject.org.uk
Live chat: oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex
Phone: Mel - 07801376158 Emma - 07880716001
Keep an eye on here and on our Twitter too as we’ll be providing you with information about what you can do if your work is suffering at this time.
Look after yourselves :)
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Hi! :)
Just to let you know that we are still running our service for sex workers in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex - even though we are not offering face to face outreach or appointments at the project at the moment.
These are difficult times and we know that lock-down is particularly difficult for sex workers, causing financial hardship for most people.
We understand that everyone's situation is different: if you are struggling and your situation is complicated we can find out information for you or contact services and advocate on your behalf.
To get in touch you can call or text Mel - 07801376158 , or you can self refer via our web page: www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/swop-contac[/i]t/]https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/swop-contact/ (https://[i)
We can offer video chat / phone and email support and as well as support can arrange for food parcels if you are struggling.
Please see our information on COVID-19 and areas we can offer support: ]https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/sex-work-and-covid-19/ (https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/sex-work-and-covid-19/[/i)[/url]
The page also includes useful links to other services such as access to home testing kits and condoms by post .
We can also send out harm reduction information and offer non-judgmental support or information if you are still seeing clients in person. We are confidential: You are not obliged to give full personal details if you contact our service for brief advice or support:
Best wishes - Mel :)
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If you have been the victim of any form of physical or sexual assault, stalking or harassment, blackmail, robbery etc. - , just a reminder that we are here to offer emotional if you need to talk to someone, or practical support if you are not sure what to do. We can support you whether or not this was work related.
We are also happy to help you through the process if you if you are thinking about reporting it to the police and can make third party reports on your behalf if you prefer this.
We are open Monday-Friday. Email: SWOP@oasisproject.org.uk Call / text Mel 07801 376158
For other information and support see our web page:
https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/indoor-online-sex-workers/safety-national-ugly-mugs/
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Hi - Mel from SWOP here
Just a reminder that if you are suffering during lockdown or at any other time... we are here to offer non-judgemental advice or support, whether you are in crisis, need emotional support or just need some information about local health or wellbeing services.
https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/indoor-online-sex-workers/ (https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/indoor-online-sex-workers/)
TELEPHONE AND ONLINE SUPPORT: Most of our support is via phone - but happy to offer video chat or email support if you prefer. If this does not work for you, we are offering a small number of face to face appointments a the project.
CONDOMS ETC: We work with Carina who is our outreach worker from THT - she can send out postal condoms and lube.
FOOD VOUCHERS: National Ugly Mugs kindly provided us with supermarket vouchers for anyone experiencing financial hardship
HEALTH AND WELLBEING: We can also offer advice or long term1:1 support if you're in a situation you're not happy with - whether that is work or personal life.
If you're worried about drinking or drug use, we are also happy to give advice and talk through any options with you.
VIOLENCE, ABUSE, STALKING, HARASSMENT: If you have been affeccted by any of these we an offer advice and support.
CONTACT US: https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/swop-contact/ (https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/swop-contact/)
Best wishes and have a lovely weekend - Mel :)
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Hi this is Mel from SWOP in Brighton & Hove - we have not been on here for a while. Am just posting Saafe members who live or work in Brighton & Hove area to promote services currently available. There is a link to our service here: https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/ (https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/)
We offer a range non-judgemental advice support, information and advocacy (sexual health, general health, housing, benefits, for any self-identifying women and non binary people regardless of immigration status.
If you are not obliged to give full personal details if you get in contact for advice or support (working name or being anonymous is fine).
You can access our service in person (appointments at Oasis Project, home or work place visits or meet in a cafe), or via phone, text, WhatsApp or email
If you have a any concerns or are worried about speaking to services, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/faq/ (https://www.oasisproject.org.uk/swop-sussex/faq/) or feel free to contact me anonymously via text, phone or email mel.potter@oasisproject.org.uk / 07801 376158
We are currently looking for a new premises for our peer support group and will post on here when this is up and running.
We work in partnership with THT who are offer access to PrEP as well sexual health screening. I'll put these in a separate post.
Best wishes - Mel
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Hi this is Mel from SWOP: A quick (ish) post to those of you living or working in Brighton & Hove in case you weren't available of all the options available for sexual health screening, Hep B vaccinations and access to PrEP:
- THT offer free, confidential clinics that can be booked online :
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/BrightonClinic@TerrenceHigginsTrust.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/ (https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/BrightonClinic@TerrenceHigginsTrust.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/) Their clinic service offers sex worker sexual health check-ups, including with a female clinician on a Friday. Their HIV and syphilis fingerprick testing are rapid result - results in 15 minutes.
They also offer access to PrEP via their PrEP2U clinic on a Thursday.
What is PrEP? If you haven't heard of PrEP or don't feel you know much about it, there is a short video here: https://youtu.be/KC_frcjOQ74 (https://youtu.be/KC_frcjOQ74) that is worth a watch.
- Our SWOP service offers swab self-testing kits (available from Oasis Project or via our outreach service). We also offer outreach support or advocacy if you need help or support in accessing THT, SHAC or other health services locally. Call/text/WhatsApp Mel 07801 376158 or Carina 07552 739821
- Brighton SHAC (Sexual Health and Contraception): Offers options for walk-in, appointments, and home test kits that can be ordered online. If your order online, we recommend the X-Pack if your services include anal or oral.
SHAC also offers PEP (post exposure prophylactic) that you can take within 72 hours if you are concerned about recent exposure to HIV (e.g. broken condom), PrEP .
SHAC also offers free Hepatitis B vaccinations.
This also is free, confidential and not linked with GP or other medical records (unless you request this). Although SHAC is NHS based, you will not be asked for proof of immigration status or residency and this service is available for anyone, regardless of your immigration status.
[/b] Did you know you can get free home STI testing kits from vending machines at various locations in Brighton? If you feel reluctant to speak to services or give out a postal address, then this is a great option.
These are at:
- Brighton Jubilee Library; University of Sussex Students Union; BMECP reception area (New England Road
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I hope this is helpful! :)