This campaign has now closed
Street sex workers are some of the most vulnerable women in Manchester. The MASH van goes out to support them three nights a week. Our volunteers offer condoms, clean needles, first aid, safety advice, hot drinks and snacks and encouragement to access the other services offered by MASH.
Categories
Situation
Women selling sex on the streets of Manchester do so because they can see no other option. They face multiple problems including drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness and mental and physical health problems. The need to earn money can lead to women taking risks with their health, including having unprotected sex ,and whilst on the street they face a constant threat of violence
Solution
The MASH van is often the first contact women have with MASH and through it we can link them in with the services they need. On the van we provide: clean needles,condoms to reduce the risk of unsafe sex and rape alarms to address the threat of assault. We also share information about "Dodgy Punters". Hot drinks , snacks and a friendly face enable us to engage with women who need emotional support.