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 directly contact the ESHS Umbrella Project team through our Telegram account @eshsumbrella for direct sexual health support and signposting advice.
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:
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. There are services that will listen to you, believe you and support you.
Being pressured into exchanging sex for ‘favours’, including cheaper accommodation and debt 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.
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.
Synergy Essex
Support through the criminal justice system, counselling and signposting to local services (SERICC, CARA & SOS Rape Crisis).
Oakwood Place
Support for both recent and historic cases, including medical examinations and over the phone support.
Some people may be coerced or forced into sex work by human traffickers. Often traffickers will trap victims by taking their passports and blackmailing them into unrepayable dept. If you think you may be a victim of human trafficking, you are not alone. Please call the modern slavery and exploitation helpline for advice.
Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline
Part of anti-slavery charity Unseen.
Mind in West Essex
Mind Mid and North East Essex
Mind South East and Central Essex
Beyond the Streets
Free and confidential telephone support service for women that work in the sex industry.
National Ugly Mugs
Mental health, victim and vocational support for sex workers as well as a member’s network.
SWARM
Specialised advice and resources for sex workers including tax advice and sexual harassment/stalking guidance.
Red Umbrella Fund
Digital security guidance resources, donor finders and global sex-worker run networks.
English Collective of Prostitutes
Advice and resources relating to laws, rights and access to justice for sex workers.
Doctors of the World
If you need support accessing medical services in the UK ‘Doctors of the World’ can help. They run free clinic, adviceline and outreach services to people like destitute migrants, sex workers and people with no fixed address.
Watch our professional’s information video to find out more, and register your interest below:
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.
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