Writing this blog has made me reflect on some of the conversations we have during outreaches. Sometimes we have in depth conversations about housing difficulties, health challenges, or the impact of drugs and alcohol. Other times we spend the evening talking about our favourite cake, hearing about the antics of a lady’s new kitten, or watching a silly YouTube clip.
There were times when I wondered what difference we are really making through these small everyday conversations and little actions, when the need is so huge. However, I have come to realise that these seemingly small encounters are so important, special and unique. Many of the women we meet have been severely let down by multiple services throughout their lives – the care system, the justice system, the healthcare system (the list goes on). This lack of support often contributes to women becoming sex workers. Furthermore, these systems are not set up to meet the needs of sex workers, and are often hugely inaccessible to them. This results in further unmet needs and increasing marginalisation, which contributes to the spiral which keeps these women in sex work. Understandably, many of these women have a deep distrust and suspicion of services, systems, organisations and authorities.
With this in mind, it is amazing what a warm reception we usually receive. I think these little encounters are key. Unlike many other services, we are able to meet these women where they are at. We have no eligibility criteria, no hoops they have to jump through and no systems that say “no”. We are able to treat women holistically and we aren’t limited to only discussing housing, or health, or prison.
One lady said that just knowing that she had someone she could talk to if she needed help made the biggest difference to her life. Another woman said that she is highly distrustful of organisations, but knows that we are ok because she’s seen how we’ve helped others find housing. Those seemingly little everyday conversations and actions are far from insignificant – what they say is “we care about your everyday life”, “we want to understand”, “you are worthy of my time”, “you have dignity”. These little actions ripple out and help grow trust, which is fundamental to developing supportive relationships.