W5053 Provision of Sex Worker Outreach Service in the Borough of Walsall

Description

Walsall Council is looking to commission the provision of Sex Worker Outreach Service in the Borough of Walsall. The service will focus on supporting individuals involved in sex work and/or survivors of sexual abuse who have experienced significant trauma and who may not be effectively supported through mainstream service provision. The outreach service will aim to build trusted relationships with vulnerable individuals, offering targeted, flexible, and trauma-informed support that recognises the complex needs of those engaged in sex work. The key aims of the service are to: • Improve trust and confidence within local communities by ensuring that appropriate support is available for individuals experiencing vulnerabilities linked to both on-street and off-street sex work. • Reduce involvement in sex work and associated criminal activity, including exploitation, trafficking, and organised crime linked to sex work. • Improve health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals engaged in sex work, including better access to healthcare, substance misuse treatment, and mental health support. • Increase engagement with support services, helping individuals access housing, safeguarding, and recovery services where appropriate. • Support individuals to move away from exploitation and harm, where possible, by providing pathways to stability, recovery, and independence. • Improve community safety by addressing issues linked to sex work and exploitation within local neighbourhoods. • Reduce demand on police, health services, local authorities, and partner agencies through early intervention, coordinated support, and preventative outreach work. The service will work collaboratively with local partners, including health services, substance misuse services, safeguarding teams, housing providers, the police, and voluntary sector organisations, to ensure individuals receive coordinated, person-centred support. This agreement is in place for the period 1st April 2026 until 31st March 2028 inclusive with extension facilities of three periods of up to 12 months each until 31st March 2031.