This campaign has now closed
The 'MASH van' is a safe place for women in Manchester who are sex working. A private space and a safe presence that they can access for non-judgemental support around health, safety and wellbeing. Women tell us that MASH is their 'lifeline' so we need your help to keep our van out at night time
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
“Nowhere to turn to” Right now, hundreds of women in Manchester don’t have a safe place to live, do not have enough money to survive and face barriers to essential services like healthcare. The streets are a dark, desolate place for women who are street sex working in our city. These women are some of the most marginalised, stigmatised and hidden communities. “there's no-one that understands it unless you go through it”
Solution
“MASH were the only people who knew if I was alive” The MASH van has been a constant in Manchester’s ‘beat’ areas on dark nights for years. Women tell us its presence makes them feel safer. For many, the van is the only way they access support. Also food, safety alarms, warm clothing and a safe, private space to speak to MASH workers. Women often disclose violence or other challenges e.g. with housing or ill health which we can follow up with.