About POW

POW was launched in 1990 when local women from the prostitute community volunteered to train as researchers to assess health and intervention needs of prostitute women in a disadvantaged area of the city of Nottingham.  The World Health Organisation and Nottingham Health Authority funded this research.

Gaps in the provision of services were revealed and as a result, sources of advice and support for working prostitutes were created.  The survey data they generated was used to design an outreach and referral service.  This project truly reflects lay representation, mediates across organisations in the statutory and voluntary sectors and crosses professional and lay boundaries.  It has evolved into a robust independent charity (no 1064273) shaping the nature of health and welfare provisions for socially excluded people.

In 1993 POW successfully secured short term funding for both premises and staff costs and as a result not only sustained existing services but also sought to respond to client needs for the development of future services.

On the 20th March 2001 POW was invited to hold a Civic Reception at the Council House in Nottingham to acknowledge its achievements and to celebrate its Tenth Anniversary.

After 10 years of being tenants at Forest Mills, a visual makeover took place; summer of 2003 the premises were refurbished and additional space was acquired resulting in a “nice, new, fresh & calming environment”, client quote.  POW then held an Open Day on the 3rd October 2003 to launch its new look along with the uncle bob leaflets.  A total of 200 professionals and clients attended.

2002-4 saw the introduction of vital long awaited services for the prostitute community at POW.  Satellite GUM sessions were introduced November 02, whereby clients could receive sexual health advice, screening & testing.  March 04; Nottingham Alcohol & Drug Team (NADT) expanded its satellite service to include a comprehensive package of treatment to those clients who are identified as not accessing or engaging with existing services.  Clients wishing to access treatment for their drug misuse can now be prescribed substitute medication in addition to advice and support without the need to be referred to the NADT.

Currently based at Forest Mills in Nottingham, POW employs five full time members of staff and a range of volunteers who assist with outreach and activity sessions.  The number of volunteers changes in response to fluctuating service provisions.  POW manages to make around 2900 client contacts per year, outreach sessions initiate a large number of these contacts whilst the drop-in service provides another door into POW.  These contacts are a result from the continuity of outreach work, networks and links within the community and with other agencies and institutions.