The World Health Organisation defines sex work as “the provision of sexual services for money or goods”(WHO, Overs 2002).
Recent research, The Student Sex Work Project (2015) highlighted that rising costs of University fees and associated living expenses are seeing increasing numbers of students entering the sex industry reporting almost 5% of students had worked within it and 20% considered it.
The selling of sex is legal in England and Wales, however some activities around the exchange of sex for money or goods are criminalised. More information about what is and is not legal can be found here.
Below we include details of various local and national services that provide support and advice for sex workers.
C-Card
To make it easier to access condoms at this time, we now have FREE C-Card condoms pack available for you to take from the Students’ Union (Percy Gee building). There’s no need to sign-up for C-Card right now – just drop by and pick up a pack.
Condom packs are in a basket outside the Advice Service office, on the first floor of the Students’ Union.
Unfortunately we are unable to offer C-Card on campus during lockdown, but C-Card is available across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
C-Card allows you to obtain free condoms and lube from a range of venues during opening hours.
Registration takes only a few minutes. You will be asked a few simple questions such as your age and address. All the information is kept confidential by the service.
You can register for a C-Card at the venues below:
Well Clarendon Park
78 Queens Rd, Clarendon Park, Leicester LE2 1TU
Victoria Park Health Centre
203 Victoria Park Rd, Leicester LE2 1XD
Boots Gallowtree Gate
30-36 Gallowtree Gate, Leicester LE1 1DD
Boots Highcross
Highcross Shopping Centre, 38-39 Shires Ln, Leicester LE1 4FP
If you can’t get to one of these venues you can also sign up over the phone with the NHS sexual health team. Call 0300 124 0102 option 1.
For more information please visit Leicester Sexual Health.
Choices
Unfortunately the Choices sexual health clinic is not currently running on campus.
For free, confidential sexual health advice and contraception, please get in touch with the NHS Sexual Health and Contraception Clinic.
Phone: 0300 124 0120
Further information about the service can be found here.
Standing Together
Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service (Mental Health Services)
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service offers appointments for emotional and mental wellbeing. They offer booked sessions with trained practitioners, ideal for short-term support.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm (some appointments may be available after 5pm).
Phone: 0116 223 1780
Email: wellbeing@le.ac.uk
Website: www2.le.ac.uk/offices/counselling
Online contact form: Self-referral form
Location: Student Services Centre, Charles Wilson Building
Student Welfare Service
Provide advice on financial issues, immigration, housing, leaving care, childcare, bullying and harassment and benefits.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 05:00pm.
Phone: 0116 223 1185
Email: welfare@le.ac.uk
Website: www2.le.ac.uk/offices/welfare
Not currently offering face to face appointments or drop ins but will consult with students to arrange alternative engagement.
University of Leicester - Student Sex work
The Annex
Project within Loughborough supporting sex workers with drop-ins and basic needs.
Website: falconsupportservices.org.uk/the-annex
Opening hours: Wednesdays 10am-2pm, Fridays 2pm-6pm, Sundays 4pm-8pm
Location: Location: 53-55 Queens Road, Loughborough
Jasmine House
Free, confidential therapeutic services for women and girls who have experienced rape, sexual abuse or sexual violence recently or in the past.
Phone: 0116 255 8852
Website:
jasminehouse.org.uk
Postal Address: Leicester Rape Crisis, PO Box 10158
Leicester City Sexual Health Clinic
National Ugly Mugs (NUM)
Reporting scheme to help protect people involved in sex work from violent and abusive individuals. Their mission is to end violence against sex work.
Website: uglymugs.org/um/
Pineapple Support
Free and subsidised emotional support and professional therapy for adult industry performers.
Website: pineapplesupport.org
Student Sex Work Project
Aims to generate new learning regarding student sex work and highlight the need for policy, guidance and training.
Website: thestudentsexworkproject.co.uk
SWARM (Sex Worker Advocacy and Resistance Movement)
A collective founded and led by sex workers who campaign for the rights and safety of all who sell sexual services.
Website: swarmcollective.org