On Tuesday 9th December, members of Soroptimist International Manchester attended an End of Year Gathering at the Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH) premises in Manchester. Supporters and Friends of MASH were invited for an informal gathering over a buffet lunch with hot drinks and mince pies. MASH have had a challenging year. A damaged roof meant closure of their much loved and well-used drop-in centre until funds could be raised for repairs. This is a well-used space that the MASH users describe as a “lifeline”. The damaged and leaking roof has now been successfully repaired and the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate its re-opening and future plans.
The MASH CEO spoke to visitors about plans to improve the drop-in space now that it is functional again. The women who access support at MASH, have themselves have identified what they want the space to look like, and how it can best be configured to meet their needs.
We heard about the health support given to women on the premises including a nurse-run health clinic where women can access sexual health screening, needle exchange and help with immediate sexual health concerns. Sadly we weren’t able to view the clinic area itself as it was in use at the time but there is no doubt that the nurse in residence is a highly valued member of the team and provides a vital service to women who often find it difficult to access other health services.
It was interesting to hear about the important links that MASH have made with the Emergency Department at Manchester Royal Infirmary which help ensure a rapid and sensitive response if women need to attend following assault or attack in the course of their sex work.
What came across more than anything else throughout our visit, is just how person-centred all of the work at MASH is. It is clear that the team at MASH put the individual women at the core of every decision and make no assumptions about what is best on their behalf. The womens voice is most definitely heard. The dedication and commitment of the staff to the support of the women who seek their help shone through.
It was the first time that the SI Manchester visitors had visited the premises and it was nice to put faces to the names behind the daily work of MASH. We left both inspired and sated with mince pies.
Cathrine Holland, Vice President