The ALEX project has been created BY SWers, FOR SWers. ALEX stands for- Advocate with Lived EXperience.
As current and former SWers ourselves, we understand how problematic it can be using services run by people outside of the community. Stigma, privacy issues, and a desire to ‘save’ us from our work are just some of the things we can come up against, whilst trying to access basic things like healthcare and supplies. By asking to speak to ALEX when making contact with a Spectra service, you will be directed to a member of the SW community.
Or you can reach out to the ALEX project directly via our social media or email. You won’t have to tell us your real name.
Our Team of Alex project advocates provide free and confidential support services for sex workers who live, work, or socialise in the London Boroughs of Richmond, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.
- Community outreach Sessions
- Provision of safer sex initiatives, including testing and treatment.
- Advocacy support to include support with wider issues.
- Referrals schemes to other agencies, including Drug & Alcohol Services.
- Wellbeing services to include safer sex packs, safe sex advice and harm minimisation.
If you would like to find out more about our these services, please ask Alex.
ALEX Project Counselling
Our Sex Worker Counselling Service is free, confidential, and run by qualified counsellors who are informed and knowledgeable about sex worker affirmative counselling – some of our counsellors have lived experience in sex work, some are allies in the process of undertaking specialised training in supporting sex workers, and all are working in collaboration with staff with lived experience.
Once we have received your registration form, one of our counsellors will invite you for an initial appointment to determine whether counselling is the right thing for you at the moment. You may then be offered up to 12 sessions of either individual counselling or group art therapy. We operate on a hybrid model, offering both face-to-face and online/phone sessions.
Although we are a service for people who identify as sex workers, the reason for coming to counselling can be absolutely anything and does not have to revolve solely around your work. The service exists to provide a safe space for people who may find it difficult or daunting to access counselling from other services.
If you would like to find out more about this service, please email counselling@spectra-london.org.ukfor more information.
ALEX Project Advocacy
People who experience social exclusion because of their work being stigmatised face unique barriers to care, sexual health-related or otherwise.
Our team of Alex advocates can help you:
- Explore ways to improve your access to mental and/or physical healthcare
- Challenge discrimination from healthcare providers
- Understand your legal rights as a sex worker
- Communicate with services and professionals on your behalf
- Make your voice heard for better care coordination and support
- Accompany you to appointments to help take notes, ask questions, and keep you safe (like asking for a break if you’re feeling overwhelmed)
- Explore opportunities to do other forms of work, including help with writing a CV, making job applications and preparing for interviews
- Connect you to sex worker communities
You lead the advocacy process every step of the way, with the advocate’s role varying depending on your needs. Our team of Alex advocates represents your voice at your direction – they’ll make sure you have all the information you need and help you construct a plan, but won’t make decisions for you or give you their opinion.
For more information about how advocacy works, check out flyers. Email us with questions or for more information at askalex@spectra-london.org.uk.
If you want to talk to our staff about your case directly, please fill in the consent form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
ALEX Advocacy Service Consent and Working Agreement
ALEX Project Online Group
Online sex worker socials, peer support and other online groups are open to current sex workers and those on a break, who live, work or socialise in Richmond, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark or Lewisham (including those who work all across London). At the online groups you can meet other sex workers, discuss issues with peers, and learn about resources and services available to sex workers.
The dates of our groups are available on request. If you want to request info about joining any of our online groups we will need to verify that you are eligible to join the space – please email us at askalex@spectra-london.org.uk.