In 2018/19 we worked with some of Bristol’s most vulnerable women as they journeyed to fulfilled lives.

Over the last year, One25 met 252 women who were battling poverty, violence and addiction in Bristol. Homelessness has significantly risen and other Bristol services are being cut. Women’s needs have become more complex so our work is more important than ever.

There are around 130 women trapped in sex work on our streets. It’s been incredible to support 53 brave and determined women to take amazing steps and break free.

With partners across Bristol and beyond, One25 is committed to each woman for as long as she needs our help. Volunteers, staff, fundraisers and supporters are backing them all the way. Women are moving from crisis to community.

Needs and outcomes

Street sex workers in Bristol are some of the city’s most marginalised and at risk women. 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. We celebrate each step and we never give up.

53 women broke free from street sex work, 65 maintained their exit and 44 were prevented from starting.

60 women reported that they;d been attacked.

112 women were supported around drug use, 56 took up substitute prescriptions and 7 went to rehab.

17 women in prison were visited 72 times.

125 women were in safe accommodation.

We worked with 193 women to improve their health and wellbeing. 33 did some volunteering, 19 got onto courses and 1 got a job.

"I have used One25 services for many years now.

You supported me after my two rapes and during the court appearances. I would still be living in a tent now if it wasn't for all your help…

One25 is an amazing thing and you all do a great job.

I definitely wouldn't be where I am now without the love, care and support you have given me.

Thank you all so very much."

- Yvonne

How do we help?

One25 puts women’s needs first and together we build trust so they can make choices for safer and healthier lives. They constantly inspire us. Love is at the heart of what we do. The five services we offer to women in crisis in Bristol meet them where they are and work with them at their pace.

The nighttime outreach van volunteer teams offer safety, love and practical support.

The homely drop-in centre has a genuine family feel. Many women have nowhere else that’s safe: sleeping rough rough or in violent, exploitative situation.

Women are coming to One25 with increasingly complex needs. Specialist caseworkers build relationships with each woman and support her to battle serious issues.

Building a new life in the community can be difficult. The new Peony service is for women who are moving away from crisis.

Finally, Pause Bristol offers intensive support to women who’ve had two or more children removed. Practitioners work with them for 18 months around the things trapping them in traumatic cycles of repeat pregnancies and removals.

2018-19 highlights

Women’s needs and successes are what drive us and our work. And it’s been a wonderful year for One25 with some wonderful highlights.

In December ’18, fundraisers literally walked across burning coals and raised much needed cash in the Santa Firewalk to meet the growing needs of women.

In February we were surprised and honoured to host the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when the royal couple met volunteers, staff and former service users. Meghan was moved to write women messages of support and love which perfectly reflected the One25 ethos.

In April we were again honoured to jointly win at the Bristol Life Awards with The Grand Appeal.

A gorgeous wall hanging was made by women in drop-in with creative volunteer Jemima. In June, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees invited us to come and display it in City Hall!

Our mission to fight stigma and bring to light the women’s hidden needs continued through the year with good coverage in TV, newspapers (like the Bristol Post) and local events.