The ESHS Umbrella Project is a confidential, non-judgemental service for anyone of any gender that sells sex or works in the adult industry in Essex. We provide free sexual health resources, up-to-date information and direct support through our Project Partners and Telegram channel.
Users can anonymously join the @eshsumbrellaproject Telegram channel which broadcasts up-to-date information about sexual health trends, information about accessing the Umbrella Project resources and upcoming events.
Scan the QR code below using your Telegram app to find the Umbrella Project channel.
You can also find the ESHS Umbrella Project channel here:
Users can directly contact the ESHS Umbrella Project team through our Telegram account @eshsumbrella for direct sexual health support and signposting advice.
Scan the QR code below using your Telegram app to find the Umbrella Project account.
The ESHS can provide the following services to anyone that discloses that they are a sex worker:
We are here to provide sexual health advice and support, the information you provide will not be shared to external organisations without your consent.
This service is available to anyone in Essex, regardless of immigration status. If someone does not speak English, our team have access to interpreters to facilitate support. (note to Grace – could we have additional pages for other languages or an AI translator for the webpage?)
Please be aware that this service is for over 18s only.
The ESHS Umbrella Project is a network of Project Partners, able to distribute ‘care packages’ and offer their specialist support to anyone that discloses that they are a sex worker.
Care packages contain:
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Our partners include drug and alcohol centres, mental health support organisations and food banks, check out the map below to see the care package distributors.
Sex workers can often be the target of physical assault, rape, sexual exploitation and robbery as perpetrators do not think they will report the crime. But this does not have to be the case. Â There are services that will listen to you, believe you and support you.
Being pressured into exchanging sex for ‘favours’, including cheaper accommodation and dept payoff, is a common form of sexual exploitation. It can also come in the form of blackmail for sexual content online. Sexual exploitation, no matter the circumstance, is a crime and support is available.
If you would like to report an incident anonymously, want to get safety alerts or get someone’s details, you can go through National Ugly Mugs, a national support organisation working to end violence against sex workers:
Find out more about personal safety as a sex worker here:
Follow these links for further online resources for sex workers including sexual harassment/stalking guidance and domestic abuse advice.
Just because someone is a sex worker does not mean they consent to all sexual activity all the time. Consent is always needed, regardless of someone’s profession. The services below offer free emotional, physical and legal support for people who have experienced sexual assault and/or rape in Essex.
Mental Health Support
Beyond the Streets – Free and confidential telephone support service for women that work in the sex industry.
Tel: 0800 133 7870
National Ugly Mugs – Mental health, victim and vocational support for sex workers as well as a member’s network.
Tel: 0800 464 7669
admin@nationaluglymugs.org
English Collective of Prostitutes – Advice and resources relating to laws, rights and access to justice for sex workers.
Tel: 020 7482 2496
ecp@prostitutescollective.net
Your journey with Essex Sexual Health Service begins with a conversation. Whatever your query or area of interest, we’re here to help. From detailed enquiries about our diverse services to general information requests, our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
Registered address: 900 The Crescent, Colchester Business Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9YQ. Registered in England and Wales No. 07320006.
