Our friendly and dedicated CSW team provide a range of clinical sexual health services and HIV prevention to sex workers in Leicester. We can also help you access other specialist support services if you need them – we’re here to talk you, support you and empower you.
Services we offer
All of our services are free and confidential and include:
- Free condoms and lube*
- STI & swab testing for all types of sexual contact
- PrEP (medication for HIV prevention)
- PEPSE (medication for after HIV exposure)
- Hepatitis B vaccines
- Contraception
- Pregnancy advice
- Follow ups for treatment and arrangements for aftercare
* Saunas MUST NOT charge individuals for the use of these condoms & lube, any establishment found in breach of this risks their service agreement being discontinued.
Our promises to you
- We will always carry an ID badge that clearly tells you our name and who we work for.
- We will not criticise, judge or challenge you, or the work you do.
- We will always treat you with privacy, respect and dignity.
- We have a strict confidentiality policy followed by all staff.
- We are here for you regardless of legal or immigration status in the UK.
- We are an inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly service.
Contact the team
Carly and Kerrie are our specialist workers who have a dedicated contact number for CSWs. If you require assistance or further information on our testing and treatment programmes you can call or text for appointments with our specialist team:
07580 973 307
The team are available 8am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday.
If you leave us a message, we will get back to you.
Our team can see you at your premises or any of our clinics.
Sex worker safety
Choice and Consent
You have boundaries and those boundaries should be respected. It’s your decision what work you accept and what you turn down. Being a sex worker doesn’t mean that you consent to all sexual activity, if someone forces you to engage in activity without your consent, you can get help and support.
Lots of myths exist that suggest that as a sex worker you have no right to complain or object if you are forced to do something, or that no one will believe you. This simply isn’t true and we are here to listen, support and believe you.
If you are feeling pressured to exchange sex for ‘favours’, including because you don’t have money for rent or a debt, this is sexual exploitation, it is against the law and we can support you.
Top Tips For Keeping Safe
- Keep a record of the client’s mobile phone number
- Don’t take bookings from withheld numbers
- Always agree business and take money first
- Be clear about the services you provide
- Have a plan ready in case something goes wrong
- Know your escape routes
- Never leave a key in the lock as you could be locked in
- Always carry a personal safety alarm
- Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back
- Try to avoid using drugs or alcohol
- Don’t carry a weapon as this could be used against you
- Carry a fully charged phone with emergency numbers on speed dial
- Always trust your instincts and be willing to say no
Privacy Tips
- Separate identities, use an alias name, email address, phone number for work vs personal life. Avoid linking the accounts
- Avoid identifiable details, family or daily routines
- Metadata awareness- photos can contain location data-turn off geo tagging and remove meta data before sharing.
- Use separate images for personal profiles and avoid using faces or tattoos in online images. Crop, blur or pixelate faces in images.
Sexual Assault
About Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to, or is forced into against their will.
As a sex worker, you have the same right over your body as anyone else. This includes the same right to give or withhold consent as anyone else. You can change your mind at any time, and if you tell someone to stop, they must stop.
Sexual Assault Support
Juniper Lodge is Leicester’s sexual assault referral centre (SARC). They operate 24 hours a day, offering medical, emotional, and practical assistance regardless of whether you choose to involve the police.
You can call Juniper Lodge on 0116 222 1542, or fill in the online contact form on the website.
Sexual health emergencies
Emergency contraception – Emergency contraception stops you getting pregnant after sex without a condom, or if your usual contraception has failed. There are two emergency contraception options: the emergency IUD (coil) and the emergency contraceptive pill.
Read more about emergency contraception here.
PEPSE (HIV prevention after sex) – PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis, and is a combination of HIV drugs that can stop the HIV virus taking hold. It can be used after the event if you’ve been at risk of HIV transmission. As a sexual health service, we only provide post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure, also known as PEPSE. To work, PEPSE must be taken within 72 hours (three days) of the possible HIV exposure, and ideally should be taken within 24 hours.
Read more about PEPSE and HIV prevention here.
Accessing more PrEP in an emergency: If you have run out of PrEP and are unable to obtain an appointment or the sexual health service is closed, then a single dose per day is available from Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department. On arrival, please explain to the Assessment Nurse that you have run out of PrEP and need a single dose to tide you over. These assessments are usually handled at the initial triage stage on arrival at the Emergency Department.
Free condoms quickly: If you have run out of condoms and our services are closed, you can get free condoms from many local pharmacies via our C-Card scheme. It’s free to sign up for – find your nearest venue on our Clinic & Service Finder.
Useful Links and Support Organisations
National Ugly Mugs
National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is a national organisation that provides greater access to justice and protection for sex workers. They serve sex workers of all genders, ages, abilities and cultures, and offer a digital reporting and alerting mechanism to warn these communities about dangerous individuals. They also provide specialist support from trained Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) ensuring you have the information and resources needed to make informed choices about their lives
National Ugly Mugs WebsiteEnglish Collective of Prostitutes
The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) is a grassroots organisation of sex workers and supporters campaigning for the decriminalisation of prostitution, for sex workers’ rights and safety, and for resources to enable people to get out of prostitution if they want to. Their network includes sex workers working on the street and in premises.
English Collective of Prostitutes WebsiteTurning Point
Turning Point Leicester is a substance use service offering support for alcohol and drug use of any and all kinds. They offer a variety of treatment options and will support you to find the path that is best for you. They can also work with you in any location that is suitable.
Turning Point's Website