We connect with individuals in a non-judgemental capacity through our outreach programme, and also by text and email contact. The support we offer is on both a practical and emotional level. It is always client driven by working with the individual on issues that are important to them, such as housing, debts and healthy living & well-being.

We seek to be a listening ear and to offer relationship, assurance and support. We are also able to connect people to other relevant agencies.

What do we do?

We offer:

• Visits by our friendly, supportive and trustworthy team, who provide pastoral care to help our clients maintain their health and well-being.

• Follow up care, advice, information and support across a range of areas relevant to our clients' individual priorities, needs and circumstances, enabling them to explore different options and choices.

• Signposting to groups and organisations which offer practical services, advocacy, crisis and emergency interventions, reporting assaults, healthcare and more.

Bad day at work?

Anyone who’s had a bad day at work knows how much it can help to talk about it. If you would like to chat anonymously and confidentially, you can get in touch with us.

Not wanting to be identified as being involved in the sex industry, past experiences of stigma and prejudice, or fear can prevent you from seeking help from mainstream services.

Whatever you experience within the adult entertainment industry or in prostitution, anyone can be exposed daily to a wide range of issues associated with the work, including risk of harm and exploitation, violence and abuse.

We know that some people have entered freely into prostitution, do not come across exploitative conditions and say they find it rewarding and empowering. The reality can be very different for others who find themselves drawn into prostitution as a result of complex vulnerabilities and lack of opportunity rather than lifestyle choice. They may feel compromised by the decisions they have had to make and struggle with a number of issues that affect their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Working online?

We recognise that individuals involved in online sex work will have different support needs than those working on the streets. The helpline phone service aims to provide a listening ear for those women who may feel isolated or need to talk. It is completely confidential and is available for all individuals working in adult entertainment in Dorset.

Trained helpline workers can offer you time to talk, emotional support and signposting to other support organisations. Calls and chats are confidential.

Whether you are a sex worker, escort, web cam or adult worker you are welcome to call the helpline for support.

For free confidential support call or text:

07952 564608

Connect

We aim to support those involved in prostitution to access support services where they exist, rather than replicate them. We seek to work in partnership with some statutory and voluntary organisations within the Dorset area and through referrals.

Dorset Working Women Project

The DWWP is for all women who work, or have ever worked, in any area of the sex industry, and provides information, advice and support on all work-related issues. The DWWP does not strive to control, reduce or promote prostitution but works to models of health promotion and harm minimisation, offering a confidential and non-judgemental service.

What does the DWWP offer?

Home visits to Indoor Workers.
Street Outreach to Outdoor Workers.

Condoms, newsletter (containing a dodgy punter list), information on safer sex, safer drug use and advice on personal safety.

Information and advice on HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and sexually transmitted infections.

Transport and company to the GUM for sexual health checkups and treatment.

Weekly drop-in service.

Close links to other organisations dealing with drugs, housing, welfare or legal issues.

http://www.f-risky.co.uk/dwwp/

Ugly Mugs

The National Ugly Mugs Scheme (NUM) enables sex workers to report crimes committed against them. You can become a member yourself through the NUM website:

https://uknswp.org/um/

(If you need help to join the scheme or to make a report, any of the Transform team will help you to do this).

Reports are then put into an alert that goes out to other projects and sex workers to warn them of potential attackers. Members of the NUM Scheme can receive alerts via SMS or email or by logging in through the website. Transform is able to provide alerts to sex workers who are not members of the scheme. NUM can also share details of the incident with Police but will only do this with consent from the victim and this will be anonymous.

Anti-Trafficking Helpline

If you are unsure about the situation of someone you have met:

• Is the person in possession of a passport, identification or travel documents? Are these documents in possession of someone else?

• Does the person act as if they were instructed or coached by someone else? Do they allow others to speak for them when spoken to directly?

• Was the person recruited for one purpose and forced to engage in some other job? Was their transport paid for by facilitators, whom they must pay back through providing services?

• Does the person receive little or no payment for their work? Is someone else in control of their earnings?

• Does the person have freedom of movement?

• Has the person or family been threatened with harm if the victim attempts to escape?

• Is the person under the impression they are bonded by debt, or in a situation of dependence?

• Has the person been harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities?

• Can the person freely contact friends or family? Do they have limited social interaction or contact with people outside their immediate environment?

If you are concerned about one of these issues, call the helpline and ask for advice. UK National 24-hour confidential Referral Helpline - 0300 3038151 available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Contact

Building relationships of trust is very important to us. Our service is confidential and we work discretely to protect your privacy at all times. You do not have to use your real name or give us any personal details if that helps you feel more comfortable. Any information shared with Transform staff or volunteers is not disclosed to another person or organisation without your prior knowledge.

Contact us if you are concerned about somebody who needs help and would like to make a referral, or if you are interested in volunteering or supporting Transform in any way.