The GAP Project provides a safe, confidential and supportive service for women and help to access mainstream services.
GAP aims to minimise health and safety risks posed to women involved in sex work and those who are vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
Gap works with adult women who are exposed to sexual exploitation, women working within the escort industry and migrant women.
Facilitated group sessions provide opportunities for women to share their experiences and help to increase confidence and self by offering genuine life choices. The service also provides an intensive outreach service targetting the more vulnerable client group.
All work though GAP is peer led; including education, research and support.
The GAP ‘Drop In’ was set up in early 2006 – it is the heart of the GAP Project; warm and friendly, it has always been peer lead. Those involved arrange all the activities and invite outside agencies to come along with information they may need. The Drop In is very informal; after lunch each woman has the opportunity to tell the group how their week has been.
Much of the work involves confidence building and raising self esteem. The group makes plans for future projects such as photography and acting.
A health clinic JUST4GIRLS is held weekly in the centre of the City. The service is totally confidential and no appointment is needed. Services available include free condoms, smear tests, pregnancy test, STI checks, contraception, drug treatment and someone to talk too.
WorkSafe helps women who have been a victim of a crime through sex work. They can receive confidential support and are given the opportunity to report the crimes anonymously.
Through The Cyrenians confidential network we alert all the women with whom we are in contact about any specific dangers to help keep safe.
GAP is also a member of the UK Network of Sex Work Projects (UKNSWP). Working in partnership with other sex work projects across the country.
The GAP Project formed following research by the Drug Interventions Programme at Government Office for the North East during 2005. The study found an active network of sex workers in Newcastle and across the region which is largely hidden as a result of there being no visible street market.
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