Women who street sex work in Bristol are some of the most marginalised women in our community . They are trapped in a “work-score-use” cycle which causes neglect of basic needs and makes it extremely difficult for them to imagine alternative possibilities for their lives. All women who street sex work in Bristol are in addiction, 80% are homeless, and 92% are malnourished. Many suffer trauma and are at high risk of experiencing violence . They are often alone and have no one to turn to.

Outreach teams drive the van around Bristol’s red light areas at night, meeting women’s basic needs by providing nutritious food, first aid, hot drinks, warm clothing, condoms and safety alarms. Often our first contact with women, they build trust and offer the chance to talk in a safe space. Teams encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our drop-in or seeing a caseworker. They also flag violent perpetrators (via police alerts), and bring women to emergency housing or healthcare.