Why we are needed

130 women are sex-working on Bristol’s streets. It’s dangerous, lonely and difficult to leave. But our vision is of a community where all women are valued and able to live fulfilled lives without the risk of being trapped in street sex work.

Street sex workers in Bristol are some of the city’s most marginalised and at risk women. There’s no one-story-fits all. They’re somebody’s daughter, somebody’s sister, even somebody’s mother… Most of the women we see on the streets are homeless, acutely malnourished and addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.

We see women who are deeply traumatised – from childhood abuse and the violence of life on the streets. Yet these courageous women show tremendous skills and potential: in their supportive peer relationships, their creativity and humour and their survival.

The women we meet are in desperate situations. They are 12 times more likely to be murdered than other women. About 80% experience homelessness, 92% have chronic ill health and nearly all are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. These women have all experienced domestic or sexual violence and many also experienced childhood trauma.

But each woman’s journey is unique and precious. One25 is the only organisation in Bristol specifically supporting street sex-working women. Our approach of unconditional love means we work with each woman who says she needs us until she is ready to move on. We celebrate each step and we never give up.