Find safe place to stay Develop a routine
Use safety alarm Learn budgeting skills
Write a CV
Settle debts
Reunite with family
ROUTES OUT OF STREET SEX WORK Impact Report 2015/16 Make probation appointments
Go to antenatal appointments Recovery groups Engage with support
Practice safe sex
Take abuser to court
Apply for rehab
Start a methadone prescription
Register with a GP
Start eating regularly
“I’ve just met my real mum after 32 years. She also was in children’s homes, was a heroin addict. Our lives are so similar. This is a generational trap that needs to be broken.” Andrea
who we are One25 is the Bristol charity for street sex-working women. Since we were founded 21 years ago, One25 has helped thousands of women to break free and build new lives. We do this through partnering with specialist organisations to provide a one-stop-shop specifically for vulnerable women. We advocate locally and nationally to ensure their rights are met. We help women to overcome every issue – domestic abuse, life controlling addictions, homelessness and more – that bars their journey from streets to freedom.
Welcome In the past year, we once again asked people from Bristol and beyond to donate time, money and so much more to help vulnerable women who are suffering right now. You did just that, enabling a record-breaking 59 women to break free from the streets! My personal highlights of the year include the launch of our Green Light District film; piloting an all-night drop-in centre; and seeing over 2000 people raise money for us at One25 Live events across the city. I am grateful to the fantastic organisations that came together this year to support women on the streets. We worked with: St Mungos’ ACE project on providing mental health care to the most vulnerable. Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Services’ maternity team on fast-tracking pregnant women into recovery. Crisis Centre Ministries, Unseen and Beloved on launching a ‘Vision for the Vulnerable’ conference and quarterly prayer meetings for supporters with faith. Thanks to your unwavering support, we can work flexibly, constantly finding new ways to empower women to find freedom from addiction, violence and the streets. As Chloe wrote to us:
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for everyone who supports One25. You’re helping women like myself to piece our lives back together, learning to live without drugs and fear. Just how awesome is that?! - Chloe
Mary McGinty, Chair of Trustees
59
broke free from street sex and life-controlling drug and alcohol addictions.
A year in numbers
59
GOT ON THE ROAD TO
RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION & STREET SEX WORK
144 WOMEN WERE VIOLENTLY ATTACKED
VOLUNTEERS
GAVE OUT
WOMEN
106
WERE SAFELY
HOUSED
84 WOMEN RECEIVED HELP FROM VICTIM SUPPORT & COUNSELLING TO TESTIFY AGAINST THEIR ATTACKER.
2412
MEALS
TO 169 WOMEN IN NEED
70 WOMEN COMMITTED CRIME:
57 MADE LIFE CHANGES TO REDUCE THEIR OFFENDING BEHAVIOUR
14 WOMEN STARTED VOLUNTEERING
3 WENT TO COLLEGE
AND 4 GOT JOBS!
32 MUMS
IMPROVED
THEIR PARENTING
SKILLS
A night on the van 8.45pm: It’s a cold, drizzly night as I meet volunteers Jen and Lucy outside One25. We make up food bags then restock the van with condoms, alarms, gloves and umbrellas. Tonight’s briefing file has details of a ‘missing’ woman.
9.15pm: Daisy is on a corner at ‘the squares’. She accepts food and a hot drink. She’s 19 and being sexually exploited by her partner. Though reluctant to chat, she says she has a safe place to sleep. We give her the van’s phone number and encourage her to call us at any point.
10.30pm: Keiva is agitated - there’s a warrant out for her arrest. As she eats, she calms down and decides that prison may help her to make changes in her life. We take her number and assure her that caseworker Hazel will be in touch to offer support with the court process.
11.40pm: As we return to base, we spot Tania. She’s thin, homeless and in terrible health. After eating, she agrees to visit drop-in the following day to see Dr Annie. We drop her at a women’s shelter to stay safe. 12am: I return home tired but knowing we have shown love and practical care to the women who need it most. Joy Skinner, Volunteer
A typical day in drop-in The doorbell rings…Annabel and Jessica head to the clothing area with lots of ooohs and ahhhs. Theresa sits quietly; she says she’s okay, so I give her space. Lily and Jane arrive, loud and animated - Lily may be intoxicated. She hugs me and we have a giggle; I suggest a big cup of coffee for her. We settle down to eat. The women say they’re working long hours without many punters. I talk to them about safety. Rachel’s at the door, tired and dishevelled. She’s been sleeping in a park so needs somewhere to stay. I tell her about Liv, our housing guru, and get her some food, shower stuff and clean clothes. Bridget comes and goes; she has an appointment with her drug worker so quickly grabs fresh clothes and a hot meal. Amy and Natalie see Dr Annie. Amy makes me a pair of earrings in the Creative Corner. I put them on, and when people tell her how beautiful they are, she cannot stop smiling. The women are busy doing different things. I complete an initial assessment with a new lady, Alice. Liv tells me that Rachel will have an emergency housing assessment at the council that day. We say goodbye, until we welcome everyone back again. Who knows what tomorrow will bring…
“You saved my life. From the moment I walked into drop-in, I just felt safe and loved.” Anna
Family Sometimes family work is just helping someone make the first step towards reconciliation. Caseworker Liv says: “Lucy was deeply sad over the estrangement with her family. I went to meet her one sunny afternoon, bringing her a picnic to eat by the river. She told me that she’d recently received a text from her sister, Kate. She had no credit to reply, so I let her use my phone. Lucy then spoke to her sister for the first time in years! Kate said that she’d been trying to find her for ages and Lucy was overjoyed when she called her 'sis'.”
Safety I’ve started using the police database to better support women after an attack. I can keep up-to-date with investigations and note whether women’s partners are a cause for concern. This leads to better reporting of violence and a more trusting relationship between the women and police. I also support trafficked women. Earlier this year I helped Rhea get justice against a man who was subsequently charged for fourteen counts of forced prostitution and rape. I then fought for a safe home for Rhea, and helped her quit her addictions. Rhea has since started a peer mentor course. She’s an inspiration! Moira, Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor
Poverty & homelessness Homelessness is rising in Bristol. In the last year, we’ve had to fight to get housing for women released from hospital and prison. We then need evidence e.g. a medical assessment to show that an ill, homeless woman is a priority. Finally, we ensure the house is suitable, for example not close to a violent partner. Benefits changes mean that many can’t manage big back payments of up to £2000. Their drug use escalates, health deteriorates and women go missing. Face-to-face assessments, often held out of Bristol, make it harder than ever. I do what I can, helping women manage income and settle debts, but the circumstances make it difficult! Liv, Resettlement Caseworker
Addiction A prescription for a heroin substitute such as methadone is the first step towards recovery for many women here, but most can’t get one. Their lives are often too chaotic to make appointments, or they may be unable to register at a surgery. In response, we now have Elaine, a prescribing nurse from Bristol ROADS at drop-in every week. The buzz around Elaine has spread, drawing more women to our dropin for ongoing care. Jane, Recovery Caseworker
health Many of the women we support are in health crises. I support women with mental health issues, from depression to full psychosis. In one day, I can refer Jenny to Rethink Mental Health, care for Marie, whose agoraphobia traps her at home, and work with Leanne who needs a plan for her release from psychiatric hospital. Our drop-in now hosts a weekly psychotherapist, a nutritious takeaway service, a daily doctor or nurse clinic, selftest chlamydia kits and Fizz, the foot care specialist! Rujina, ACE Caseworker
crime The government have brought in a new approach to crime called ‘Transforming Rehabilitation’, which means many can get better support from probation. However, many low-level offenders with a chaotic lifestyle find it nearly impossible to get to regular appointments. They then hide to avoid arrest, making it harder for me to support them. I help women avoid breaches and stabilise their lives and offer a lifeline at their most vulnerable point. I feed back to policy think tanks and probation about how best to support this vulnerable group. Hazel, Criminal Justice Caseworker
Life skills Quilting, glass painting and making jewellery might not seem the most obvious ways to help women escape the street, yet these courses offer respite and a chance for self-expression and creativity that’s often denied them. The women have been busy shaping all that we do; from creating a peer mentor scheme to informing One25’s response to the changing legal status of sex work. Alexis, Drop-In Support Worker
Campaigning One25 has been increasingly involved in campaigning for change. Last year we: Shaped the Home Office Inquiry on Prostitution Became an advocate on the Bristol Safeguarding Adults Board to ensure that charities are involved in decisions around protecting adults. Delivered training city-wide and advocated nationally through the Golden Key Programme on the specific needs and barriers faced by street sex-working women Celebrated our Criminal Justice Caseworker, who is currently undertaking the Griffins Society Research Fellowship Programme. Her research will shape national practice and policy debates about women offenders. Gill, CEO
Volunteering at one25 We’d like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic volunteers last year who, as a team, give a constant reminder to the women of how much they are loved and valued. These heroes cook nutritious meals, stock the clothes cupboard and offer a safe space for women to share their concerns. Some provide a voice at talks; others work behind the scenes. Hasina, Rosie and Rob are just three of our 156 volunteers who transformed women’s lives last year:
Name: Hasina Sacranie
Name: Rosie Walters
Name: Rob Saunders
Occupation: Web Content Editor for the Medical Research Council
Occupation: Postgraduate Researcher at the University of Bristol
Occupation: Retired supervisor who worked on the docks for 40 years
Volunteering role: Communications support
Volunteering role: Drop-in Team Leader
Volunteering role: Van driver assessor & trainer
“One thing I love about volunteering is being part of such a loving group of people; the community who donate and fundraise, and the women themselves... they are an inspiration.”
“I really enjoy spending time at drop-in. It’s such a unique atmosphere where nobody is judged and everyone is cared for and supported.”
“Volunteering gives me a purpose. It is wonderful to still be able to support the organisation.”
156
different volunteers gave us over 7500 hours of their time
In the community Give it up Metro church partnered with One25 for ‘Give it up’.
32 people gave something up for 125 hours, from solid food to speaking, raising £13,500! Leader Philip Jinadu said: “It engaged our congregation in social action in an easy, fun way. It released a lot of energy, generated a lot of passion and I really recommend it.”
Grapplethon The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community wrestled for 24 hours for One25 and raised nearly £6K! We’re thrilled it will help transform women’s lives. Can Sonmez, Artemis BJJ Co-Founder
“I give in memory of a wonderful mum who really believed in the work you do. She’s not with us anymore but the love and compassion you share continues.” James
Dorrett Dorrett has become a familiar face around here. After holding a weekly prayer group at One25 and putting on a bring n’ buy sale for One25 Live at her church, she has become a ‘One25 Link’ to inspire others to get involved!
Sleep Out Rachel, Ben and 18 other incredible supporters slept rough last February to raise money for One25 in Bristol’s Sleep Out. “We did it to raise money and awareness for women in Bristol, for whom it is not a choice to give up a warm comfortable bed for the night. They face a life without comfort and certainty day in and day out.” The team raised an outstanding £9K!
The Green Light District This year, film producer, Alvaro Ramirez, and MC Saatchi creative, Will Grave, made us a powerful two-minute film: ‘The Green Light District’. The film shows a brave woman’s story of life on the streets and her hopes for the future. It shares our vision for Bristol to become a safe place where women have the choice to live free from sex work.
So what next? After some serious soul-searching, I’ve decided to move on from One25. It’s been 16 years since I started my journey as a van volunteer and it has been a privilege to be involved. With your continued support, we hope to achieve the following in the coming year: Launch a peer mentor scheme, so that women further along in their recovery journey can care for others. Revamp our drop-in to make it a more pampering and practical space. Work more closely with chef, Barny Haughton, to boost the women’s cooking skills and self-esteem. Train volunteer team leaders in providing clean injection kits to administering the lifesaving drug, Naloxone, in case of overdose. Develop a Bristol Street Sex Work Strategy in collaboration with partner agencies. We hope to create a shared goal for street-workers across the city that puts their well-being, rights and safety first.
Please join us in helping these goals become reality. Gill Nowland, CEO
“There are days when fear just grips me, but I am determined to make a new life for myself. I will see this through because I have the strongest, most loyal women beside me.” Charley
FINANCIAL SUMMARY £3,000
0
,00
£
0
0
1 79
00
£9 2,0 0
TO
00 £303,0
,00
5,0
£3
£10
£628,000 = L TA
TOTAL = £
00
£60
£202,000
00
,0 223
0 ,00
£152,000
76
£2
Numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand pounds. For One25’s audited accounts for 2015/16 please visit www.one25.org.uk.
,0
lauren's story
“I was a dark-skinned baby and my light-skinned family didn’t want me. My mum and sisters called me “blackie”. I ran away at fourteen. No-one followed me, so I knew no-one cared. I looked at couples, families, mums holding their kids, and I wanted that so badly, but I didn’t know if I was worth it...”
In London I met this dude with a gold tooth. He wined and dined me – and put me on the streets. Sometimes I was a business deal, sometimes I got a slap. I risked my life each time I got in a punter’s car. There was nothing like the One25 van then. I drank and took crack to escape, to feel confident and in control, but inside I was empty. I wrote to my mum from prison. She replied to say I’d made my bed, now lie in it. She’d gone to America with my sisters. I never saw her again. I headed to Bristol’s red light district and soon hit rock bottom. A man I trusted locked me in a room for two days and raped me again and again. Afterwards he sat in the corner, in the dark. When a light shone through the blinds, I could see him swaying and rocking, the knife in his hand. His head was cast down but his eyes were on me. I was finished, I knew it. I escaped in the early hours, without underwear or shoes, heading for the nearest crack house. If I’d had the courage to end it all then I would have [cries]. One25 entered my life and they were a hand through the clouds saying: ‘You’re not alone, hold on and we’ll walk through this together.’ They believed in me. They helped me to report him to the police and say: ‘It’s not okay for men to keep doing this to us.’ My One25 worker helped me into addictions rehab for women with trauma. Every time I felt deflated, I’d get a card saying: ‘You can do this, you’re worth it!’ I was scared, but I made it - I’ve been free from drugs and the streets for over 14 months!
I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I’m a child of God, a good woman and I’m intelligent! I can stand proud, stand tall. I volunteer working with adults with learning difficulties – it’s amazing! I lost faith in other women because of my upbringing, but it is restored – I want to help other women who are in the position I was in, to give them the grace and hope that’s been given to me.
Save lives You can make a real difference today. Give a hot drink and a warm smile on a cold, hostile night. A chance to feel clean and renewed with a shower. A visit in prison when no-one else cares. Give hope that a different life is possible.
£20
£10
£5
A MONTH CAN GIVE
A MONTH CAN GIVE
DIGNITY
A LIFELINE
A PRISON VISIT FROM A FRIENDLY CASEWORKER
A HOT CLEANSING SHOWER IN DROP-IN
A FREEPHONE CALL TO THE OUTREACH VAN
COMPASSION
A MONTH CAN GIVE
Please start a monthly gift and help more women to escape the streets. Use the form or donate online at one25.org.uk/donate. Thank you.
“You’ve been with me through the hardest times I’ve ever had to face. I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today without you.” Ellie
donation form I want to help vulnerable women in Bristol Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss
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Address Postcode Bank details To: The Manager
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£20
£10
£5
or £
per month
Amount in words: Starting on until further notice. Account no:
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Please pay this sum to: One25 A/c No. 20119560, sort code 60-83-01 Unity Trust bank plc, Nine Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2BR.
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By ticking the above box I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and / or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008.
Please contact us if you: Want to cancel this declaration / Change your name or home address / No longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.
Return me to: One25, The Grosvenor Centre, 138a Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8YA.
The Grosvenor Centre, 138A Grosvenor Road, Bristol, BS2 8YA tel: 0117 909 8832 fax: 0117 941 2382 email: office@one25.org.uk online: www.one25.org.uk facebook.com/one25charity @one25charity youtube.com/one25tv one25 is registered as a charity. Reg. No. 1062391. Registered office: The Grosvenor Centre, 138a Grosvenor Road, St. Pauls, Bristol BS2 8YA. Design & Production: nicjonesdesign.com