We need your support to help our charity for sex workers in Manchester to get vital funds

MASH is a local Greater Manchester charity which stands with women involved in sex work and provides expert support around safety, physical and mental health, housing, surviving poverty and more.

The charity has launched its ‘Raise the Roof’ appeal to help cover the cost of urgent repair works needed to fix its leaking and damaged roof.

They hope to raise £15,000 towards the costs of repairing its roof and refurbishing the space so it can re-open to women as soon as possible.

Their drop-in centre has been a place of safety for some of the most marginalised women in the city for over 10 years.

Usually, the space is open and busy every weekday offering women the choice of what support they might need. But currently MASH is doing its best to support women from a small office room it has transformed into a ‘Mini drop-in’.

Annie Emery, MASH’s CEO said; “The beauty of the MASH drop-in is that women can spend their time here how they want or need – women often tell us that’s something they really value. Some people just pop in briefly to get a drink and maybe sun cream on a hot day or to visit our sexual health nurse.”

She said: “Others might spend the whole afternoon at MASH just chatting with their peers and our volunteers, taking part in a creative workshop. When women talk to our experienced team in this relaxed, safe and welcoming space, we can really get to understand what is going on for them and how we can best support them. Women are really missing the space and community. It’s so frustrating for everyone: women, staff and volunteers, that we can’t provide our usual level of service.”

Adding: “Sadly, often women visit in some kind of crisis e.g. following a violent attack, so the team are on hand to support in whatever way might be needed. Increasingly we also need to provide clothing, toiletries and emergency food parcels for women who are in real hardship. The demand for these simple essentials has been going up over the past couple of years. Many women are in survival mode.”

One woman who uses the service said: “It's good to have somewhere to escape. It's a lifesaver this place.”

Another woman also said: “It's the best drop in I've ever been to, I've been to lots of services. MASH is very good at communicating. Sometimes…I feel like I can't communicate, I'm banging my head against the wall. MASH can help with that.”

Annie said: “Please do share our story and chip in if you can. You could even do a cake sale, quiz or personal challenge to help Raise the Roof for MASH. We are really hoping to see that Manchester community spirit shine through so we can hit our goal and get the roof repaired in the next few weeks. The women who use our centre are looking forward to creating a much improved and welcoming space ready for the shorter days and colder months ahead.”

To donate and find out more please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mashroof