Sex work, like any form of labour, should come with access to safety, support and community. But stigma, legal grey areas, and isolation can often make it harder for sex workers to find help when they need it most. Whether you’re seeking legal advice, emotional support, harm reduction tools, or simply connection with others who understand your experience — there are resources across the UK ready to stand by you.
Below, we’ve compiled a clear, updated list of UK-based organisations and support services for sex workers, along with tips on evaluating trustworthy resources and staying safe both online and offline.
Major Organisations Offering Support to Sex Workers in the UK
National Ugly Mugs (NUM)
What they do: NUM provides tools to help sex workers report dangerous individuals and stay informed of local threats. They offer case support, a free app, a text alert system and a violence prevention database.
How to access:
- Website: nationaluglymugs.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 0161 629 9861
- Facebook: National Ugly Mugs
- Instagram: @nationaluglymugs
- X: @NationalUglyMug
- Free to join and offers confidential case support.
SWARM (Sex Worker Advocacy and Resistance Movement)
What they do: A grassroots, sex worker-led organisation focused on rights, harm reduction, and community-building. SWARM regularly hosts events, distributes mutual aid, and shares educational resources.
How to access:
- Website: swarmcollective.org
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @swarmhive
- X: @SexWorkHive
- Offers direct peer-led support and is trans-inclusive.
The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP)
What they do: A long-running group that campaigns for decriminalisation and safety for sex workers. They provide legal advice, advocacy, and help with police complaints or criminalisation issues.
How to access:
- Website: prostitutescollective.net
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 020 7482 2496
- Facebook: English Collective of Prostitutes
- Instagram: ecp_org
- X: English Collective of Prostitutes
- Drop-in services available in London.
Scot-Pep (Scotland)
What they do: A Scottish charity campaigning for the rights and safety of sex workers, with a strong harm reduction and health-focused approach.
How to access:
- Website: scot-pep.org.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Mobile: +44 (0)7984960378
- Instagram: @scotpep
- X: @ScotPep
- Based in Edinburgh; offers events, research and support.
Types of Support Offered
- Safety & Reporting Tools
- NUM Safety Alerts: Sex workers can report incidents or dangerous individuals to NUM and receive real-time warnings by SMS or app.
- Bad Client Lists (Peer-led): Some forums and collectives share anonymised information about timewasters or unsafe clients — always verify who runs the list.
- Legal Aid and Rights Information
- ECP: Offers legal drop-ins and police complaint support.
- Release: While not sex work-specific, they offer legal help around drugs and policing which may be relevant to street-based workers.
- Website: org.uk
- Mental Health and Emotional Support
- NUM Case Workers: Available for ongoing emotional support, safety planning, and check-ins.
- Therapists for Sex Workers Directory: A growing list of mental health professionals with experience working with sex workers.
- Found via NUM and SWARM.
- Peer Support & Community
- SWARM & ECP: Both host events and meet-ups that offer a non-judgmental space to connect.
- Red Umbrella Fund (International): Offers global funding and support for peer-led sex worker organisations.
How to Know if a Resource Is Trustworthy
Sex workers should look for the following qualities when deciding who to trust with their safety, stories or needs:
- Peer-led: Services run by current or former sex workers are more likely to understand your reality and advocate without judgment.
- Confidential: Make sure the organisation clearly explains how your data will be used or stored.
- Non-carceral: Avoid groups that work directly with police or promote arrest as a solution.
- Non-judgemental: If they offer services for drug use, housing, or trauma — are they shaming or supportive?
Digital Tools to Supplement Support
- NUM Checker: For real-time alerts and reporting.
- Telegram or Discord Peer Groups: Often shared privately through community collectives.
- WorkSafeWorkSmart (browser extension): Helps sex workers safely screen clients.
- Signal (Encrypted Messaging): Safer than SMS or WhatsApp for sensitive conversations.
How Allies Can Help
- Share, don’t speak over: Amplify the voices of sex worker-led groups on your social media or in your networks.
- Refer ethically: Know which orgs are peer-led and offer real support before sending someone there.
- Donate directly: Many of these collectives survive on community funds. SWARM, ECP, and NUM all accept donations.
The Takeaway
Sex work doesn’t have to mean going it alone. Across the UK, there are powerful, trusted and sex worker-led organisations offering everything from safety alerts to therapy referrals. The key is knowing where to look — and making sure you’re tapping into resources that centre dignity, confidentiality, and peer support.
Whether you’re working online, outdoors, or somewhere in between, you deserve safety, solidarity and support.
For more practical tips, check out Vivastreet’s blog for safety, wellbeing and navigating the sex industry.
