THE WORK OF THE OPEN DOORS CREATIVE ARTS DROP-IN GEORGINA PERRY: OPEN DOORS SERVICE MANAGER

VISION STATEMENT Open Doors believes that every woman working in the sex industry in East London should be able to access a range of psycho-social and sexual health services, plus practical help and support. These services should reflect the complexities of women’s lives and the challenges that face them.

General Profile of Open Doors Service Users Virtually all British born (quite often Hackney or East London residents) High rates of depression and other mental illnesses (bi-polar, schizophrenia, personality disorder) Poor general health (dental, injecting associated) All poly drug users (crack cocaine, heroin and alcohol, some solvents) Very poor chronic health problems

Cont…….. Often entered into sex work at an early age (early to mid teens) Long involvement with criminal justice system and history of imprisonment Women who have given birth have experienced rates of high infant mortality, and disability Many have had children removed by social services

Cont……. Currently work with approximately 260 street based women per year 60 regular faces seen on outreach About 45 women consistently use the drop-in and its associate services

Aims of the creative arts drop-in To encourage the group to develop the skills and confidence necessary to make work that is creative and challenging. To challenge the group’s cynicism about working together to create pieces of film, art or drama. To facilitate the group to develop and devise themes and costumes; plus installations and activities ranging from a film project (Entrances and Exits), an illusionist magic show, and an art exhibition. To develop time management and personal efficacy skills amongst the women.

The story so far…..

Project started May 07 Funding from 3 sources Initially a one year pilot project

Acknowledging that women who use Open Doors need more than a weekly crisis intervention drop-in Up to 10 women attend each week

Artists create the space….

To make magic……….

To play with image and identity…….

To developing confidence, trust and participation through fun activities…….

Raising aspirations………..

Challenging stereotypes………..

Outcomes….. Women make contact with estranged family through gifting of art work they create Women who are usually distant from services come regularly to the drop-in to have fun as well as address health and social issues Women see a project through to the end There has been one exhibition of work and two performances by the women to a selected audience – and numerous parties! Women start to believe that they can achieve

The future…….. Secured core funding for a lead development worker to run the arts drop-in Have begun work that enables the local residential community and the women to interface using arts as a medium Women are becoming more confident and more engaged (Open Doors service users played a key role in the running of a government consultation on prostitution in the summer of 08)

THANK YOU