Community support

Community is at the heart of our purpose, creating a safe space for Sex Workers free from judgement or stigma, so that you can feel a sense of belonging.

Why community matters

We want you to have a place where you can go to be yourself; where like-minded members of the community gather to have non-judgemental conversations about anything and everything. Stigma around sex work can create feelings of shame and stress with friends and family but there is no hiding here. We offer peer-to-peer support so that you can share experience, advice, safety strategies and ultimately create meaningful connections to feel supported in life as well as in work.

As a member of the community, you are made to feel a sense of belonging with weekly drop-in sessions and an instant messaging group so that the friendships made in our safe space nurtures mental and emotional health. There is also an online Discord server, which is only accessible by verified Sex Workers.

Through kinship and understanding, we feel that being part of the Sex Worker community helps to build resilience to stigma for leading happier, more fulfilling lives. o

We have supported

500 People

And counting...

Since founding Umbrella Lane in 2015, our support has reached Sex Workers across Scotland. We now have a community of over 400 Sex Workers.

We have contributed

£26k

And counting...

We responded to COVID-19 with an emergency fundraiser for financial hardship support, to help you in your time of need. During the pandemic, we managed to raise and distribute £26,000

We hope to continue to help

800 People

And counting...

Driving our vision is our plan to expand and to reach our community of Sex Workers across and beyond Scotland. By working with partner organisations, friends, family and the wider community, we continue to create systemic shifts in reducing stigma around sex work.

Being a part of the Umbrella Lane community means a lot to me, I’ve been a Sex Worker for 4 years - so, since I was 18. And, as we know this job can be very stigmatising and, you know, you can end up very isolated when you choose to do these roles but thankfully Umbrella Lane show you that there’s people like you there, people there who love you and value you and see you for the person that you are and they don’t want to stigmatise you because of your job. They’re not going to disregard what you have to say, they’re going to actually value you and appreciate you and all the things that make you You and that’s what I really like about the community, it’s so accepting. And everyone is just really there for each other and really approachable. And it’s just great to see this industry getting stronger and more stable and secure with things like this in place.

What do we talk about?

Anything and everything! This could be meaningful conversations about staying healthy at work, relationships, love and loss, or light-hearted chats about horoscopes or your Netflix bingeing. As this is your space to connect with other members, it is a space that welcomes laughter and fun, as well as sharing advice, reading or talking about your favourite things.

Mental health

A big part of helping people through mental health issues is simply to talk about it. This is a place where anything related to mental health can be shared in confidence, with the support of other Sex Workers and our professional team at hand.

What we offer

If you need wellbeing resources, a chat with other community members or financial support, our services are led and informed by Sex Workers so that what we offer remains in line with your needs. All services and partnered specialists are met with the commitment to be trained by our Sex Worker volunteers so that our connections are always supportive.

Social Events

Community drop-in

Financial Advice

Workshops & Webinars

Confidential helpline

Counselling & therapeutic services

Peer to peer support

Sexual Health Supplies & Check-ups

Community drop-in

Financial Advice

Workshops & Webinars

How to join our community

Join the Umbrella Lane community as a sex worker member!

You can join by completing this verification form.

It also makes sure the spaces we provide remain safe and confidential when you access our services.

Not a sex worker, but still want to keep in touch as an ally, individual or organisation?

You can follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or sign up to our newsletter for updated information on upcoming events and news!

You can also sign up to our newsletter below.

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Our mission

To support the greater wellbeing of Sex Workers through growing a community which provides connection and positive conversation. We see a world where Sex Workers live fulfilled and embodied lives, which are free from stigma and discrimination.

Are you a Sex Worker based in Scotland and looking to connect with the wider Sex Worker community? Reach out to us here at Umbrella Lane.

Based outside of Scotland? Don't worry we have online options that allow us to connect with Sex Workers across the world! We'll never turn away a Sex Worker that's looking to connect with the community.

General Enquiries

For all general inquiries about Umbrella Lane and it's services please email:

hello@umbrellalane.org

Confidential Helpline

Umbrella Lane is always here for you and if you find yourself in a situation where you need urgent help please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Our mobile is available Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm

07377518263

Or contact the Community Support Officer (Jake) directly (9-5 Mon-Fri)

07935481866