Being a sex worker means taking care of your body, mind, and boundaries every single day. It’s not just about the work-it’s about surviving it, thriving through it, and staying healthy when the world doesn’t always make that easy. You’re not alone. Thousands of people in London and beyond are doing this same work, facing the same risks, and fighting for the same rights: safety, dignity, and health. This isn’t a lecture. It’s a real talk from someone who knows what it’s like to juggle clients, stress, and self-care on zero sleep.
Key Takeaways
- Regular STI testing every 3 months saves lives-don’t wait for symptoms.
- Condoms and dental dams aren’t optional. They’re your first line of defense.
- Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s as vital as physical health.
- Know your legal rights. In the UK, sex work itself isn’t illegal-exploitation is.
- Build a support network. Isolation is dangerous. Connection is survival.
Why Health Matters More Than You Think
Let’s cut through the noise. No one’s asking you to be perfect. But you deserve to live without fear of infection, violence, or burnout. Sex workers are 30 times more likely to contract HIV than the general population, according to data from the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV. That’s not because of how you work-it’s because of how society treats you. Stigma blocks access to clinics. Fear stops people from speaking up. But here’s the truth: health isn’t about morality. It’s about biology.
You don’t need to be a saint to deserve clean needles, free condoms, or a therapist who doesn’t judge you. You just need to be alive.
STI Prevention: Your Daily Routine
STIs don’t care if you’re working solo, in a flat, or on the street. They don’t care if you’re tired, stressed, or in a rush. They only care if you’re unprotected.
Here’s what works:
- Use condoms for every single sexual act-no exceptions. Even oral sex. Herpes and syphilis can spread through skin-to-skin contact.
- Carry dental dams. Keep them in your bag, your car, your purse. They’re cheap, they’re easy, and they’re life-saving.
- Get tested every 3 months. London has free, confidential clinics like Clifton Street Clinic and Dean Street Express. No ID. No judgment. Just results.
- Know the signs. Itching? Unusual discharge? Pain during sex? Don’t wait. Go now.
- Ask clients to get tested too. If they refuse, walk away. You’re not being rude-you’re being smart.
One sex worker in Peckham told us she started carrying a small kit: condoms, lube, dental dam, and a note with clinic numbers. She said it changed everything. “I used to panic if I ran out. Now I just reach for it like I would my phone.”
Mental Health: The Invisible Injury
Stress, anxiety, depression-these aren’t side effects. They’re part of the job. You’re managing trauma, rejection, loneliness, and constant judgment. And nobody talks about it.
But here’s what you need to know: therapy isn’t for “broken” people. It’s for people who are doing hard things. And you’re doing one of the hardest.
London has services made for sex workers:
- SWAN London offers free counselling specifically for sex workers.
- Stonewall has LGBTQ+-friendly mental health support.
- The Nightingale Project runs peer-led drop-ins in Brixton and Camden.
Some of you might think: “I can’t afford therapy.” But you can. Many services are free. Others offer sliding scales. If you’re on benefits, you can get referrals through your GP. You don’t need permission to heal.
Your Legal Rights in the UK
Here’s something most people don’t know: selling sex isn’t illegal in the UK. Neither is buying it. What is illegal? Pimping, brothel-keeping, and soliciting in the street. That’s it.
That means:
- You can work from home without fear of arrest.
- You can screen clients online.
- You can refuse anyone, anytime, for any reason.
- If someone threatens you, steals from you, or forces you, that’s a crime-and the police are legally required to help you.
Don’t let fear silence you. SWP (Sex Workers’ Rights Project) offers free legal advice. Call them. Text them. They won’t report you. They’ll protect you.
How to Find Support Services in London
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here’s where to go:
- Clifton Street Clinic (Islington): Free STI testing, PrEP, vaccinations. Open evenings.
- Dean Street Express (Soho): Walk-in HIV/STI testing. Results in 20 minutes.
- SWAN London: Free counselling, peer support, housing help.
- Stonewall: LGBTQ+ health and mental health support.
- The Nightingale Project: Peer drop-ins, hot meals, safety training.
- SWP (Sex Workers’ Rights Project): Legal aid, advocacy, emergency support.
Most of these places have outreach workers who come to your area. You don’t have to go to them. They’ll come to you.
What to Expect During a Health Check-Up
It’s not scary. Here’s what happens:
- You walk in. No appointment needed at most clinics.
- You’re greeted by a nurse who’s trained to work with sex workers. They’ve seen it all. They don’t flinch.
- You answer a few questions: “When was your last test?” “Any symptoms?” “What protection do you use?”
- You get a swab, a blood test, maybe a urine sample. It’s quick. It’s painless.
- You get your results in person, by text, or by phone-your choice.
- You leave with condoms, lube, and maybe a referral to a counselor.
One woman said: “I used to cry before every test. Now I go because I know they’ll treat me like a human.”
What to Do If You’re Harassed or Attacked
If someone threatens you, follows you, or tries to force you:
- Call 999. Say “I’m a sex worker. I’m being threatened.” They’re trained to respond.
- Text SWP at 07890 833743. They’ll send someone to your location.
- Use the SafeZone app-it shares your location with trusted contacts in real time.
- Keep a record: write down names, dates, license plates. Even if you don’t report it now, it helps later.
You have the right to safety. Always.
Comparison: Sex Worker Health vs. General Public Health
| Aspect | Sex Workers | General Population |
|---|---|---|
| STI Testing Frequency | Every 3 months (recommended) | Once a year or only if symptomatic |
| Access to Free Clinics | Yes-specialized services available | Yes-but less targeted support |
| Mental Health Support | Peer-led, trauma-informed services | General NHS services, often stigmatized |
| Legal Protections | Strong rights under UK law | Standard legal protections |
| Barriers to Care | Stigma, fear of judgment | Cost, wait times |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get free condoms and lube in London?
Yes. Almost every clinic, outreach center, and even some pharmacies in London give out free condoms and water-based lube. Dean Street Express, Clifton Street, and SWAN all have bins or counters where you can grab them without saying a word. You don’t need to be a client. Just walk in. They’re there for you.
Do I have to tell my GP I’m a sex worker?
No. You can get STI tests, PrEP, and mental health referrals without disclosing your work. But if you do tell them, they’re legally bound to keep it confidential. Many GPs now work with sex worker charities and know how to help without judgment. If your GP makes you feel bad? Find a new one. Your health matters more than their bias.
Is PrEP available for sex workers?
Absolutely. PrEP is free in the UK for anyone at risk of HIV-including sex workers. You can get it at any sexual health clinic. Dean Street Express gives it out on the spot. No waiting. No paperwork. Just ask. If they say no, ask for the nurse in charge. You’re entitled to it.
What if I’m undocumented?
Your immigration status doesn’t matter. All sexual health services in the UK are confidential and available regardless of visa status. Clinics don’t ask for ID. They don’t report to immigration. You are safe there. SWP and SWAN have staff who specialize in helping undocumented workers. Reach out. You’re not alone.
How do I know if a client is dangerous?
Red flags: They refuse to use protection, insist on meeting in isolated places, don’t let you screen them, pressure you into services you didn’t agree to, or talk about violence. Trust your gut. If something feels off, cancel. Block. Walk away. You don’t owe anyone your safety.
Your Next Step
You’ve read this far. That means you care. That means you’re already doing better than most. Now, take one small step today:
- Text SWP at 07890 833743 and ask for a free health kit.
- Book your next STI test-even if it’s not due yet.
- Download the SafeZone app and add two trusted contacts.
- Text a friend: “I’m worth protecting.”
You don’t need to be brave. You just need to be you. And you’re already enough.
