In the UK, the number of students engaged in sex work is most likely to be increasing due to the rising cost of tuition fees and associated living expenses. According to The Student Sex Work Project in 2015, 5% of students have worked in the sex industry and 20% have considered it.
What is sex work?
Sex work is the exchange of sexual services, both involving either direct physical contact and or indirect sexual stimulation, for money or goods. Sex work is an umbrella term which includes web cam performers, actors and actresses in pornography, dancers in strip clubs, escorts, sugar babies, dominatrixes, phone-sex operators, as well as those selling sex indoors and at outside premises.
Support for sex workers at the university
We know that some students engaged in sex work may not wish to access support, but for those who wish to access wellbeing and financial support you can talk to a member of the Mental Wellbeing Team who can provide support and advice in the following ways:
- Trauma-informed personal wellbeing support and advice
- Emotional wellbeing support
- Support to access hardship payments and financial support at university
- Signposting to other internal and external support services
To access support with the Student Wellbeing Service you can:
External support services
This Students Sex Work Toolkit for Higher Education made by the University of Leicester has information and guidance on support in the UK.
You can get more information and support at:
Accessing financial support
If you are participating in sex work but would like to find another way of financially supporting yourself, you can apply for financial support with the university.
Find out more about financial support options at Canterbury Christ Church University here.
Speak with a Student Support Advisor in the Student Wellbeing Service to apply for financial support.
Support for sex workers from NHS Sexual Health Services
If you are engaging in sex work involving physical contact with clients, it is important to make yourself known to the local Sexual Health Services and discuss this with a sexual health professional. This service is completely non-judgemental, and the friendly team will do what they can to provide support and keep you safe. Services will include:
- Regular sexual health screening.
- Free contraception, including condoms and lube
- Ensuring you have all the necessary vaccinations
- Referral to NHS mental health and wellbeing support if you would like it or feel you need support
You can text 07538077485 or call 0300 790 0245 to book in at The Gate Clinic in Canterbury. If you are not local to and/or not studying at the Canterbury campus you can find your nearest NHS sexual health clinic here.
Find out more from our Relationships, Consent, and Sex campaign