STREET LIFE

It’s estimated there are up to 80,000 sex workers in the UK – the majority are women* . We talk to a former street sex worker and to the outreach team who helped her find a route out. And we look how those supporting sex workers are virtually adapting their services.

Sexual health outreach worker, Lynsey Riley

Street sex workers are at a greater risk of violent assaults and rape during the coronavirus pandemic, with many too scared to report violent assaults because they fear being arrested.

A BBC report says women are finding it harder to earn money during lockdown so have been taking more risks. Outreach workers within Mersey Care’s sexual health service Armistead support women working in the sex trade. Wearing NHS identity badges and uniform with logo, they go into the areas where women typically work.

Outreach workers like Jo Lightwood support sex workers on the streets where they work.

Outreach workers like Jo Lightwood support sex workers on the streets where they work

Just being there talking, listening, tells them we’re not here to judge, we’re here to help you.

Practical help includes handing out condoms and encouraging women who inject drugs to use a needle exchange at a nearby drop in.

But it’s also a kind word, bringing warmth to a harsh and often dangerous environment. Most importantly the team can support sex workers to get help from other agencies and find a way to leave sex work if that’s what they want.

The team is part of a network of organisations that work together offering everything from emotional support and drug rehabilitation services, to housing and benefits.

Outreach work takes dedication and commitment. Armistead outreach worker Jo Lightwood (pictured above) and her colleagues work unsocial hours and work tirelessly with partner organisations. Their reward is helping women rebuild their lives with a more positive future.

Yet sex workers are notoriously wary and often refuse help. Building relationships with the outreach team can take months, or even years.

Some women see rape, abuse and violence as ‘part of the deal’. The team encourages them to report abuse and Liverpool has a dedicated sex worker police liaison officer.

Outreach workers are adept at judging the best approach. “You learn to read someone’s body language. They’re at work, they need to earn money, and they don’t have time to talk. You desperately want to help, but if they’re not up for listening you have to walk away and say ‘catch you next time’. The important thing is they know we’ll be here again the next night... and the night after that. We’ll wait for them till they’re ready.”

Sometimes the best support is the most basic. “We can often sense when someone’s not right,” says Jo. “Just being there talking, listening, tells them we’re not here to judge, we’re here to help you.

It’s also a kind word that brings warmth to a harsh and often dangerous environment.

VIRTUALLY THERE

In Liverpool teams from different services are finding meeting and working virtually is not just keeping vulnerable women safe – it’s seeing new ideas flourishing to improve their lives.

Sexual health outreach worker Lynsey Riley (pictured above), is part of the team based at Armistead in Hanover Street.

She became immediately Addictions support organisation concerned for the safety of We Are With You referred women who she knew would still Arianne for housing support. be forced to work regardless of Within 24 hours she moved off a lockdown. “I thought how are the streets and into a city centre we going to keep these vulnerable hotel. She is still engaging with women safe without being on services and hopes to be placed the streets with them?” in longer term accommodation.

The service is part of the local Covid-19 health network which has carried on meeting virtually. Different agencies dial in daily to identify vulnerable homeless people who need urgent support. The group works out what‘s needed for each person and how it can be provided.

Lynsey is delighted. “Although it’s been really hard for us not to be able to be out there in person, it’s been incredible to see how the different services have come together, literally saving lives.”

ARMISTEAD STREET TEAM

The team operates a community based outreach and drop in service throughout the city of Liverpool, including:

Free condoms and lubricant

Emergency needle exchange

Support about contraception and pregnancy

Access to sexual health services

Pathway to drug and alcohol services

Support for access to health services

Referral to counselling regarding domestic violence

Referrals to housing and other agencies

Supporting hostels in the area. To access services or for information and support call: 0151 247 6560, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

DOING IT FOR JENNY

Jenny, a pregnant sex worker was living in a tent in the city.

Outreach workers had tried to support her, but like many homeless people, she’d been reluctant to ‘come inside’ – a term for living in bricks and mortar accommodation.

Outreach workers from Whitechapel saw Jenny at her antenatal appointment to gain her trust then supported her to engage with the team at the City Council housing department. Jenny moved from her tent into a bed and breakfast and since then into hostel accommodation.

Katy Wafer, care coordinator for Mersey Care’s integrated care team said that as organisations meet and work virtually new ideas have flourished.

“Together we’re finding new pathways for services that will make a difference to the lives of women like Jenny. And the best thing is they’re developing organically. For instance enhanced midwives at Liverpool Women’s Hospital are looking to work more closely with the Armistead team to support pregnant sex workers with really complex needs, to help them access essential services.”

*Source: House of Commons Home Affairs Committee: third report of session 2016-17 www.publications.parliament.uk.