One to One Support

Our Room is the only organisation in the UK set up specifically to support male, trans and non-binary people who sex work. We know that sex work can come with unique risks, especially for those facing intersecting forms of discrimination. We support the full decriminalisation of sex work.  

Whether you work online or offline, indoors or on the street, Our Room is here to support you with any issues or safety concerns. We provide a confidential space and listening ear, and can offer practical, non-judgemental advice and resources. We will advocate for your rights and provide advice and guidance to help you feel safer whilst working.  

How we can support you: 

• A confidential space to talk and be listened to without judgement. 

• Practical advice and resources. 

• Creating a personal safety plan to help you manage risks.  

• Providing free personal alarms. 

• Referrals to specialist support for sexual violence and sexual health. 

• Help with seeking legal advice or reporting crimes (only if you want to)  

• Peer support network of other male, trans and non-binary sex workers.  

Key Safety Tips Across All Settings 

• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. 

• Stay connected—keep your phone charged and a trusted contact informed. 

• Use a buddy system—especially for in-calls, out-calls, or street-based work. 

• Get paid upfront and split your money into different places. 

• Carry a personal alarm—we can provide one if needed. 

• Know your rights—consent is always required, and support is available if you’re ever harmed or pressured. 

At Our Room, sexual health and wellbeing is at the core of our mission. We recognise that sexual health is an essential component of overall wellbeing—equally important as mental and physical health—and we are committed to supporting individuals in every aspect of their journey.

Our approach is inclusive, respectful, and non-judgemental. We provide tailored support and guidance to people of all genders and sexualities, and maintain strong partnerships with sexual health services across Greater Manchester. Our support team brings extensive experience in sexual health support, including HIV and chemsex-related concerns, and is well-equipped to assist you with any questions or challenges you may face.

How we can support you:

• One-to-one assessment from a support worker to understand your needs around sexual health
• Free HIV and STI home testing kits
• Free condoms and lube
• Regular drop-ins with sexual health experts from the LGBT Foundation
• Signposting and referrals to sexual health services

Mental health is like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it. We can think of it as a spectrum of well-being, with ‘good mental health’ meaning we can manage life’s challenges.  When experiencing ‘poor mental health’ we might find the ways we’re frequently thinking, feeling or reacting become difficult to cope with. It can impact many areas of our lives such as work, relationships, and physical health. Some people can feel they are not realising their full potential or getting what they want out of their lives. Importantly, research consistently finds that those who identify as LGBTQ+, and people that sex work are at increased risk of experiencing poor mental health and may struggle to access services offering mental health support. 

How we can support you:

• Listen and support you to reflect on your mental health during one to one sessions.
• Help you create an action plan, set goals, and work towards achieving them.
• Help you navigate mental health services and find the right support for you.
• Our Room also provides the opportunity to be part of a supportive, creative community, which can help you form new friendships and know that you are not alone. 

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, you can now contact your local crisis service in Bolton, Salford, Trafford, Manchester, Wigan and Leigh by calling NHS 111 and selecting the mental health option.   

Please also find further urgent help options below: 

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/urgent-help 

The term “Chemsex” is commonly used to describe people using three key drugs – alone or more likely in some type of combination – for the purpose of having sex, enhancing sex and exploring different types of sex.  The three main drugs have typically been Crystal meth (Tina), Mephedrone (Mcat), and GHB/GBL (often known as just G) – although other drugs such as Ketamine or Benzodiazepines may also be used. Many people engage in Chemsex without reporting any harmful effects, but some people may go on to experience problems with their mental or physical health, addiction, overdose, financial issues, and it can have a wider impact on your work, relationships and wellbeing. The term Chemsex has been increasingly used within the LGBTQ+ community over recent years, with cisgender gay and bisexual men typically being the group most impacted.

At Our Room we are experienced in supporting people who are using chems and linking them in with the various information and support options. We understand that you may wish to stop using chems entirely, or you may just want harm reduction advice on how to use them as safely as possible – we will support you to set and meet your own goals. 

How we can support you:

• Safer use resources, including clean supplies, naloxone, and overdose prevention tools.

• Support with accessing healthcare, detox, treatment— such as the REACH clinic (only if and when you want it).  

• Peer support, a community who understand the realities of substance use.  

At Our Room, we understand that housing insecurity and homelessness disproportionately affect sex workers and LGBTQ+ individuals. These challenges are often compounded by systemic barriers, stigma, and discrimination, making it harder to access safe and stable accommodation. Whether you’re at risk of losing your home, currently experiencing homelessness, living in an unsafe environment, or simply navigating the complexities of the housing system, we are here to help.

Our support workers bring extensive experience from housing and homelessness services and are well-equipped to guide you through the often complicated processes involved in securing housing in Greater Manchester. We offer confidential, person-centred support tailored to your circumstances, and we advocate for your rights every step of the way.

How we can support you:

• Budgeting for household costs
• Finding a new home in the private rented sector
• Navigating the social housing system
• Advice and support if you are experiencing homelessness
• Advocacy if you are experiencing identity-based housing discrimination
• Attending housing related appointments with you: homelessness assessments, house viewings, neighbor dispute mediation

At Our Room, we understand that substance use is a part of many people’s lives, as a tool for relaxation, connection or coping with challenges. We know that this can bring highs and lows, and can affect your mental health and wellbeing in different ways. If you’re wanting to make changes to the way you use drugs or alcohol, we can support you on that journey.  

Our approach is rooted in harm reduction and is led by your experience, and what you want to achieve. We meet our participants where they are, without judgment, and with a commitment to safety, dignity, and care. 

We believe that everyone deserves access to respectful, non-stigmatizing services, regardless of their relationship with substances. 

How we can support you 

• Safer use resources, including clean supplies, naloxone, and overdose prevention tools 

• Support with accessing healthcare, detox, or treatment—only if and when you want it 

• Peer support, meet other participants who understand the realities of substance use