All the services at SW5 are free and confidential. The drop-in is available to anyone currently selling sex. All the other services are available to everyone, including those who are exiting the work.
Before you can use any of the services we ask that you attend a brief induction session with one of the project team. This is an opportunity for us to tell you more about what you can receive when you use the services and how you can expect to be treated.
As our services are confidential, and in order for us to keep SW5 a safe place for everyone, we also need to establish whether someone is clear about who the services are for at SW5, and that they fit that criteria.
If you would like to arrange an induction, please contact us.
As mentioned on our front page, because of some electical work in our Earl's Court offices, all of SW5's staff are currently based at THT's main office in King's Cross. Consequently, our services are subject to some disruption: see the front page for updates.
| Activities & workshops | Counselling | Helpline |
| Advocacy | Drop-in | Information & advice |
| Complementary therapies | Emotional support | Outreach |
| Condoms & lube | Health care | Sexual health |
| more? |
Activities & Workshops
We have occasional outings and trips. Contact us for details.
Advocacy
The project team are happy to advocate for you. This would involve acting on your behalf with your knowledge and permission in communicating with other professionals and organisations you might find it difficult to approach directly.
Complementary therapies
We currently have a masseur who comes in on a Friday from 1pm. Three sessions are available, which can be booked in advance or, if they are available, by attending on Friday.
We hope to have a Reiki practitioner again soon.
Condoms, lube etc.
We provide a variety of condoms and lubes plus latex gloves and dental dams. You can come and collect these any weekday between 10am and 5pm. For more details, see our condom page.
Alternatively if you can't get to us, call or e-mail and we'll send some out to you in the post.
Counselling
The Terrence Higgins Trust has a counselling service. Sessions can happen at our building in Earl's Court or at other locations in London. Contact us to arrange a referral to the counselling service.
Drop-in
Chill out and relax or socialise and network in the basement space. There is also free access to the internet.
The service has drinks and snacks as refreshments, and it currently runs once a week on Fridays from 12 noon until 3 pm.
Emotional Support
Support is available from the project team if you require someone to talk to about how you are feeling or to help you resolve problems or dilemmas.
It is also available if you would like someone to be with you when you need to go to the hospital, GUM clinic, the benefits agency, for a court appearance, whilst you are in prison or other official appointments.
Contact us to arrange for support.
Health care
A doctor is available on some Friday lunchtimes, by appointment. He is a GP and a specialist in sexual health, and can make referrals to the Chelsea and Westminster and Charing Cross hospitals.
He can be seen for general or sexual health issues. Please contact us to arrange an appointment.
Helpline
If you require information, advice or emotional support but you can't get to visit, this can be available by calling or e-mailing us.
Information and advice
Individual appointments are available with a project worker.
This might be for advice and information about issues specific to sex work including:
- negotiation with punters,
- personal safety whilst working,
- sex work and personal relationships,
- sex work and the law,
- sex work and culture,
- rights for sex workers,
- personal boundaries around sex work,
- exiting sex work.
Alternatively they might be for information and advice about more general issues including:
- housing,
- drug and alcohol use,
- self-esteem,
- sexuality / sexual identity,
- racial identity,
- gender identity / masculinity,
- body image,
- eating disorders,
- suicide and self harm,
- child protection,
- relationships,
- family,
- health,
- mental health,
- benefits,
- life skills,
- communication skills,
- legal issues,
- immigration and asylum,
- education and employment.
Contact us to arrange for an appointment.
Outreach
Part of the outreach work that the project team do at SW5 is to visit other venues to make contact with people who might not or who can not use our services in Earl's Court.
When doing outreach we give out condoms and lube, explain more about SW5's services and give advice and information about sex work or other issues.
Every Wednesday afternoon, in association with BOYZ magazine, we are based at their office in Soho. For details contact us for more information or call BOYZ direct.
On alternate Tuesday afternoons and Friday evenings we visit a local male escort service in Earl's Court
Sexual health
Advice, information and pre-and post-test support can be given on sexual health including HIV/Aids and other STI's.
Referrals can be made to the Working Men Project, the Diamond Clinic at Charing Cross hospital and the John Hunter Clinic at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital for full sexual health screening.
Is there something you'd like, but which isn't listed? Please tell us!
Comments? Queries?
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