We were pleased to welcome Gabby Cochrane from the One25 Charity to speak about their work in Bristol at our Speaker Meeting on Monday 10th February. One25 was our Club Charity when Gish was President of SI Bristol.
One25 reaches out to women who are street sex-working in Bristol, often women who are deeply traumatised from childhood abuse and violence. This leads to life situations where they are stigmatised, marginalised, locked out of society. Many are in crisis and many are street sex-working. They support them to move from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community. The specialist services One25 offers, alongside the ethos of non-judgemental, practical support and unconditional love, makes a huge impact.
Over the past two years, they have witnessed a staggering 76% increase in the number of women using their outreach yellow van. More women are street sex-working more frequently. This demonstrates the growing challenges women are facing. Gaby explained that they are encouraged by the 24% increase in women exiting street sex work this year.
One25 worked with 260 women street sex-working in 2023-24 of whom:
98% had experienced domestic or sexual violence
94% had significant mental health needs
89% had chronic physical health needs
72% experienced homelessness
98% experienced addiction
54% had disclosed childhood abuse
100% experienced poverty
One25 works with each woman who needs support until she is ready to move on.
Their night outreach van is a lifeline for nearly 125 women still trapped on Bristol’s streets. It’s often their vital first step towards safety and independence.
Their specialist caseworkers offer intensive one-to-one care: from mental health support to finding somewhere safe to live. Their health hub supports women to access a range of healthcare services.
Our members were very moved by Gabby’s talk and accepted her kind invitation to visit One 25 at their base in St Paul’s later this month.