Sex workers who help and support other sex workers
The Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP) ACT is a sex worker-led program that provides peer-led education, drop-in, outreach and advocacy for sex workers.
We aim to:
-
prevent HIV, STIs and BBVs among Canberra’s sex worker community by sharing knowledge on safer sex practices and providing accessible, confidential and sex worker sensitive sexual health clinics. - empower and support the rights of all sex workers, including advocating for the ongoing improvement of legal and administrative frameworks to eliminate discrimination against current and former sex workers
- educate the wider community, including community organisations, to see sex work as work, reduce stigma and support the rights and needs of sex workers
- ensure that sex workers are treated respectfully in and outside their safe workplaces
- help workers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds access services and resources
- equip sex workers with information about how to access health and community services that are appropriately sensitive to their needs.
SWOP Outreach
SWOP Outreach is a free service accessible to all sex workers in the ACT.
The program is grounded in the principles of peer education. We value the diverse range of sex workers’ lived experiences, respect autonomy and use person-centred and trauma-informed care with our peers.
SWOP Outreach ensures that sex workers within the Canberra region:
- are empowered to make informed decisions about safer sex, personal safety practices, laws and regulations
- have access to information on sex worker specific health and rights.
Outreach to brothels and studios occurs once a month at night in the first week of the month.
We can also meet independent workers at a planned outreach session or come to their incall location.
Email us to find out where we’ll be next.
SWOP Drop-in
SWOP Drop-in is an invitation-only regular gathering exclusively for sex workers.
At these events, you can share information, meet other sex workers and connect with community in a safe and confidential space.
We provide:
- skill-sharing opportunities
- low-cost PPE
- clothes swap and makeup
- resources and support.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram, or email us about our next SWOP Drop-in and how you can join us.
SWOP Clinic
With support from the Canberra Sexual Health Centre and Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, we provide a monthly SWOP Clinic where you can access free sexual health testing and cervical screening. This service is anonymous, confidential and does not require a Medicare card or ID to access.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook and Instagram, or email us about our next SWOP Clinic and how you can join us.
Vaccinations
In addition to Meridian’s general vaccination clinics, we provide specific sessions for sex workers in the ACT. You can get free vaccinations for COVID-19, flu and mpox (eligibility criteria apply).
Email us about our next vaccination clinic and how you can join us.
Contact us
You are welcome to have a confidential chat with a SWOP peer worker for sex work-related information, support, referrals and advocacy.
We can arrange to meet in the Meridian offices or your workplace, including visiting independent and private sex workers at your incall.
Contact us via email [email protected] or SMS the SWOP mobile on 0427 475 671 to arrange a meeting.
You can also follow SWOP on Facebook and Instagram, or email us for information and events.