Contact us / appointments
The Dorset Working Women's Project (DWWP) is a support project for all women (including transgender women) working in the sex industry in Dorset.
We provide non-judgemental, free and confidential support for sex workers in all sectors of the sex industry.
Our team offers a range of support to help people working in the sex industry, including:
- information on safer sex, contraception, sexual health testing and safer drug use, including clean injecting equipment
- advice on personal safety, including Dodgy Punter information
- promotion of positive sexual health choices
- information and advice on HIV, Hep C, Hep B and sexually transmitted infections
- street outreach support two evenings a week
- home support visits to sex workers
- transport to our clinics for sexual health check-ups, treatment and emotional support
- a weekly drop-in session – a safe place for those involved in sex work to relax and chat, every Tuesday afternoon
- a newsletter containing information on 'dodgy punters'
- support to help people access other services
- referrals and support to access other organisations dealing with substance misuse, housing, welfare or legal issues
- agency or self-referral help.
Outreach support
DWWP runs an assertive outreach two times a week on our specially-equipped van to engage with on-street workers, as well as offering selective home visits for those workers who have requested support.
On outreach we can provide food, harm minimisation supplies, support with incident reporting, general advice, and signposting. We also hand out essential items such as toiletries, hats, gloves, socks, umbrellas and hot drinks.
During outreach we can speak to sex workers about the latest information on any 'dodgy punters', and take reports of any incidents and pass them on to the National Ugly Mugs scheme. We also signpost sex workers to our weekly drop-in session (see below).
Outreach operates on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8-11pm.
Off-street support
We offer a discreet one-to-one support service to those who are working off-street, including at home, in flats and other venues. Our specialist off-street workers can arrange visits for anyone selling sex and working indoors with a wide range of support, from free condoms and lube, fast track to sexual health screening, PrEP and BBV to harm minimisation, advice on online safety and reporting incidents, and access to National Ugly Mugs scheme.
Drop-in sessions
Drop-in is a safe, welcoming space for female/transgender sex workers. It offers a range of emotional and practical support and access to a range of partner services. The sessions are run by female staff and offer a long-term, trauma-informed approach, tailored to each woman’s individual needs.
Drop-ins take place every Tuesday afternoon from 1-3pm at The Ferryman, New Quay Road, Poole, BH15 4AF.
The sessions provide a safe place for you to come and relax, chat and join in activities if you choose.