In response to Government advice relating to the Covid-19 pandemic the Standing Together Team are currently providing remote support to students until further notice . You are still able to access advice and support through Microsoft Teams and via email and a Case Worker will work with you to deliver support in the most accessible way for you.
We are aware that many people will be at greater risk of abuse during the lockdown period and that many may be feeling unsafe isolating in a house at this time. If you are concerned about someone you know or if you are living with an abusive person, please download the free The Bright Sky app which enables users to locate their nearest support services by searching their area, postcode or current location. Please only download this app if it is safe to do so and you are sure that your mobile phone is not being monitored.
For out of hours support, you can contact Qwell-they offer online support in addition to 1-1 chat based counselling with a qualified counsellor. No referral is required.
In November 2019, the University and Students’ Union ran a joint campaign around supporting student sex workers. The focus of this campaign was to provide information and an education for those who attended events and other sessions, and to vitally highlight support options available. Following this, a working group at the University was created by Prof Teela Sanders (School of Criminology) and supported by the Standing Team, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion department and the Students' Union. For more information about this project please visit: Developing Good Practice within Higher Education: Student Sex Work, Safety and Inclusion
We hosted an online Student Sex Work Campaign: One Year On event on 7th December - recording here: Recording.mp4349.12 MBOn Tuesday 15th December Culture Shift hosted a webinar to launch our Sex Worker Policy and Toolkit. Catch up on the webinar here: https://insight.culture-shift.co.uk/launching-university-of-leicesters-student-sex-worker-policy-and-toolkit
National Ugly Mugs (NUM)- Sign up to NUM for free to report incidents and receive warnings about dangerous individuals. If you report to National Ugly Mugs they will use the information to warn other sex workers and potentially save their lives
The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) is an organisation of sex workers working on the street and in premises with a national network throughout the UK:
To disclose an incident of bullying, harassment, abuse or violence (including those you may have been subjected to while engaging in sex work) please use the 'Make a report' link at the end of this page.
Internal Support
Student Support Services (University):
Standing Together team: can offer practical support and guidance in relation to unacceptable behaviours. Our work involves supporting students on a 1:1 basis, and providing holistic support options and referrals, where relevant. After an initial needs and risk assessment, we can provide students with options in relation to reporting and support – including those detailed above and below. We can also support students in accessing services and coordinating this. In order to access this support, please leave your contact email address when completing the online disclosure form. For more information, please visit the campaigns tab of this system.
Welfare team: https://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/welfare (particularly for financial concerns, support for underrepresented groups, and general advice and signposting)
For more information about University and Students’ Union support, please see: www.le.ac.uk/wellbeing
