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basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Basis Yorkshire
@basisyorkshire.bsky.social
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Basis supports women who sex work and women and young people who are sexually exploited. We work to end stigma, create safety and promote empowerment.
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basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Join us! 🏃

We've covered entry fees for the Leeds 10K on June 14th and the half-marathon on May 10th. We're seeking participants to raise funds for Basis, supporting sex workers, those sexually exploited, and women facing hidden homelessness.

Register now: buff.ly/ZPZewQM
Graphic with photo of orange person running. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: Run for Basis Yorkshire Graphic with photo of orange person running. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: Leeds 10 K or half marathon
January 30, 2026 at 1:02 PM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Sometimes getting the right support in the first place can be the most difficult step.

Becoming a Friend of Basis directly contributes to young people who have experienced sexual exploitation and their path to empowerment.

Donate now and empower someone today: buff.ly/Sc86xVN
Graphic with Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: "I've valued the trust most. You've been very supportive and don't judge me." - a young person we support
January 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Sign up to our monthly newsletter!

At the start of every month, you can find out what we have been up to! This includes activities with the people we support, fundraising with our community and opportunities to get involved in.

Use this link to sign up: buff.ly/4GnhTIM
January 26, 2026 at 10:01 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
New Frontline training session!

Join us for a focused session exploring women’s pathways around homelessness in relation to health and hospital discharge: : the challenges women face when leaving hospital without secure housing

Sign up now: buff.ly/nk8AKWb
@smitfcharity.bsky.social
Graphic with St Martin in the Fields: Frontline Network Partner logo and Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: Training Event: Health & Hospital Discharge Pathways. Online. 24th February, 10am-12pm. Sign up now!
January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
We need you!🏃

We have pre-paid spaces for the Leeds 10K run (14th June) and the Leeds half-marathon (10th May)!

We are looking for runners to fundraise for us! Individual fundraising is extremely important to Basis.

Sign up now: buff.ly/C6Rw5nY
Graphic with photo of person coloured orange running. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: Run for Basis Yorkshire Graphic with photo of person coloured orange smiling. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: Leeds 10K or half marathon
January 22, 2026 at 11:02 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Looking to expand your knowledge this year?💻

We will be running our Working with Women Sex Workers Open Course on 3rd Mar and 9th June in 2026!

Our CPD-certified training course focuses on sharing best practice on working with women sex workers.

Find out more and book a space now: buff.ly/1b1nqR3
Graphic with photo in background of person typing on keyboard. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text: Working with Women Sex Workers Open Course. 3 March & 9 June 2026. 10.30am-3.30pm. Online CPD-certified training courses. Sign up now. £90. Graphic with photo in background of person typing on keyboard. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text: Working with Women Sex Workers Open Course. This course covers: • The varied sectors of and routes into sex work • Challenging myths and prejudices that sex workers face • Laws governing sex work including different legal models • Sex workers’ experiences with safety, crime & violence • Support needs & barriers for sex workers in accessing mainstream services • Ways to make your service sex-worker friendly and inclusive • Best practice principles & approaches for working with sex workers
January 20, 2026 at 10:01 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Want to stay fit and make a difference to the local community? Run for Basis Yorkshire!

We are looking for passionate people to run in the Leeds 10K run (14th June) and the Leeds half-marathon (10th May)! (spaces pre-paid)

If you're interested, fill in our form: buff.ly/clrmEqY
Graphic with photo of person coloured orange running. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: Run for Basis Yorkshire
January 13, 2026 at 11:33 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
A promise to halve VAWG was part of the election campaign and remains central to the strategy to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG). Sex workers face some of the most disproportionate risks of violence – how does the strategy work for them?

Read our blog now: buff.ly/bvFesgx
Graphic with outlines of women. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: VAWTG STRATEGY. SEX WORK.
January 12, 2026 at 10:56 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Are you supported by Basis?

We are interested in the views of people who currently access Basis support, and from SWs who may wish to in future. Our findings will be shared among the Basis team, and with our partners at @nationaluglymugs.bsky.social

Fill in our short survey now: buff.ly/lQPKUOa
Graphic with text: Are you supported by Basis Yorkshire?* Take part in our Access to Support Survey. *Or a sex worker who may access our services in the future
January 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Deadline soon! 📣

We have 2 roles in our young people team, and 1 in our adult!

Deadline for all roles is 12th Jan midday. Apply now: buff.ly/yh5soH3
We're hiring! Parents and Schools CSE Liaison and Support Worker CSE Specialist Support Worker (LGBTQ+)Navigation and Support Worker (Holistic Housing) Under 1 week left! Parents and Schools CSE Liaison and Support WorkerThis role will work closely with parents, supporting them to support their children as well as supporting them to liaise and advocate with other services. It will also work with teachers and other partners in schools of children who are experiencing CSE who are also neurodivergent. This role will work closely with the Basis colleague who will be supporting the young person directly. Deadline: 12th Jan (midday)Salary: £30,084 (FTE) Hours: 35hrs Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Specialist (LGBTQ+)To provide appropriate emotional and practical support to young people experiencing sexual exploitation. Working within a harm reduction ethos, you will be supporting young people to effectively safeguard them and reduce the risk of further exploitation, providing intensive 1-2-1 work within a multi agency approach. Deadline: 12th Jan (midday)Salary: £30,084 (FTE) Hours: 35hrs Navigation Support (Holistic Housing)You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to women involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, particularly hose directly related to housing directly and indirectly.Deadline: 12th Jan (midday)Salary: £30,084 (FTE) Hours: 35hrs
January 6, 2026 at 10:01 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
It's 2026 and Leeds Sexual Health are with us every Wednesday in Jan during drop-in, 1pm-3pm!

You can also book an appointment with LSH via our dedicated Sexual Health Phone - 07710304306
Graphic with Basis Yorkshire logo and text: Leeds Sexual Health Drop-on at Basis - JANUARY. - WEDNESDAY 7th - WEDNESDAY 14th - WEDNESDAY 21st - WEDNESDAY 28th Sexual Health Phone 07710304306 You can contact this dedicated number for appointments with Leeds Sexual Health.
January 5, 2026 at 10:24 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
We wish you a warm and safe Winter break!🎄

This time of year is hard for some people, so we try to stay open as much as possible. When we are not, please reach out to these support services.
Graphic with Christmas and winter decorations, such as mistletoe, baubles, ribbons and bells. Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: Season's Greetings from the Basis team Graphic with text: Basis Schedule: Mon 22 - Office open 9.30-4.30. Drop-in 1-3pm, outreach on Tue 23- Office open 9.30-4.30, drop-in 1pm-3pm Wed 24 - Drop-in 12-2pm, no outreach Thur 25 - Closed for Christmas bank holiday Fri 26 - Closed for Boxing Day bank holiday Graphic with text: Basis Schedule: Mon 29 - Office closed Tue 30- Office open, drop-in 1pm-3pm Wed 31 - Office open, drop-in 1-3pm, daytime outreach Thur 1 - Closed for New Year bank holiday Fri 2 - Office open, evening outreach 8-11pm Winter helplines Samaritans – l 116 123 Leeds Domestic Violence Service – open 24/7, Call 0113 246 0401 Dial House - Mon, Wed to Sun, from 6pm to 2am. Call 0113 260 9328 or text 07922 249 452. BSL users can text to ask an interpreter to be available. NHS mental health service - Call 111, Press 2
December 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Homelessness is often seen through a one-size-fits-all lens, but the reality for women sleeping rough is complex, hidden, and deeply personal. Leeds’ third annual Women’s Rough Sleeping Census was carried out in September 2025.

Read the full blog now: buff.ly/PSwcJE9
Photo of a hand drawing on a large piece of paper with bullet points about making services more inclusive. Basis Yorkshire logo. St Martin in the Fields Frontline Network Partner logo. Text reads: Leeds Women's Rough Sleeping Census 2025: Listening to Voice, Building Better Support
December 19, 2025 at 10:51 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
We're hiring! 🎉

We have 2 roles in our young people team, and 1 in our adult!

Deadline for all roles is 12th Jan midday. Apply now: buff.ly/kPTKajO
We're hiring! Parents and Schools CSE Liaison and Support Worker CSE Specialist Support Worker (LGBTQ+)Navigation and Support Worker (Holistic Housing) Navigation Support (Holistic Housing)You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to women involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, particularly hose directly related to housing directly and indirectly.Deadline: 12th Jan (midday)Salary: £30,084 (FTE) Hours: 35hrs Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Specialist (LGBTQ+)To provide appropriate emotional and practical support to young people experiencing sexual exploitation. Working within a harm reduction ethos, you will be supporting young people to effectively safeguard them and reduce the risk of further exploitation, providing intensive 1-2-1 work within a multi agency approach. Deadline: 12th Jan (midday)Salary: £30,084 (FTE) Hours: 35hrs Parents and Schools CSE Liaison and Support WorkerThis role will work closely with parents, supporting them to support their children as well as supporting them to liaise and advocate with other services. It will also work with teachers and other partners in schools of children who are experiencing CSE who are also neurodivergent. This role will work closely with the Basis colleague who will be supporting the young person directly. Deadline: 12th Jan (midday)Salary: £30,084 (FTE) Hours: 35hrs
December 19, 2025 at 10:41 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
The 17th December marks International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers.

Today we remember all the sex workers in the local community and beyond who have lost their lives due to violence. We mourn these lives needlessly lost and stand in solidarity with those experiencing ongoing violence.
Photo of 14 people in black and white, looking emotionless to the camera. They hold 11 red umbrellas. Basis Yorkshire logo in black and white. Text reads: INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST SEX WORKERS
December 17, 2025 at 9:44 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Leeds, this is your moment!

To celebrate being the UK's most generous city, JustGiving are donating £12,000 to UK charities - and you get to choose where it goes.

Pick Basis Yorkshire, and they'll send us £10. Easy!

buff.ly/2GkxlzZ
Graphic with text: JustGiving. Who's getting your £10 donation? Basis Yorkshire. All you need to do is give your first name and email and we get £10!
December 12, 2025 at 1:43 PM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Wed 17 Dec is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers☂

During our drop-in, we'll be providing a reflective space to spend the afternoon and to remember those we’ve lost to violence.

This space is for women and NB SWs, and people who have experienced exploitation
Graphic with red umbrellas and Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Drop-in: 1pm-3pm. Wednesday 17th December 2025. We’ll be providing a reflective space for people to spend the afternoon and to remember those we’ve lost to violence. There will be crafts available for anyone who wants to express their feelings creatively or make a tribute to someone they’ve lost. We will hold a minute silence at 3pm. This space is for current and former women and non-binary sex workers, and people who have experienced or are at risk of exploitation.
December 12, 2025 at 12:05 PM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Due to staff capacity, our office will be closed the morning of Friday 12th Dec, and open from 12.30pm. Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Graphic with text: Friday 12th: Office open from 12.30pm. Due to staff capacity, our office will be opening later today. Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
December 12, 2025 at 9:01 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
The 10th of December marks the end of the annual campaign, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

This year’s theme explored online abuse.

In our latest blog, we explore image based abuse, such as "revenge porn" and deepfake pornography. Read now: buff.ly/aYe7sO7
Graphic with Basis Yorkshire logo. Text reads: 16 Days: Activism Against Gender Based Violence. Image Based Abuse. Image based abuse, including pornography, is growing rapidly. Read now. Blog.
December 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
We're hiring!📣

Join our Young People team as CSE Parents and School Liaison Support Worker!

Find out more: buff.ly/41I9E3E
Graphic with Basis Yorkshire and Lottery Community fund logo. Text reads: We're hiring! Parents and Schools CSE Liaison and Support Worker - extended! Graphic with Basis Yorkshire and Lottery Community fund logo. Text reads: Parents and Schools CSE Liaison and Support Worker. This role will work closely with parents, supporting them to support their children as well as supporting them to liaise and advocate with other services. It will also work with teachers and other partners in schools of children who are experiencing CSE who are also neurodivergent. This role will work closely with the Basis colleague who will be supporting the young person directly. Deadline: 12th Jan (midday) Salary: £30,084 (FTE) Hours: 35hrs (3 yr contract)
December 9, 2025 at 1:20 PM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
For 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, we are raising awareness to gender based violence within gangs.

Women and girls involved in or around gangs can face unique and gender-specific forms of violence.
#NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #16Days
graphic and text which reads- Gender Based Violence in gangs. Violence and exploitation are routinely used to control, coerce and monitor women involved with gangs. These harms are heavily gendered: girls and women often experience strict regulation of their behaviour in both physical and digital spaces. A common misconception is that gang involvement is exclusively male. In reality, women and girls from many backgrounds are also recruited. Their involvement is often hidden, making them more vulnerable to exploitation because of their “invisible” status. The abuse they face makes leaving or seeking support extremely difficult. Fear of retaliation, threats against loved ones, limited access to services and ongoing coercion create a climate of fear that keeps many trapped and isolated. graphic and text that reads- Women and girls are subject to several forms of violence within and from gangs. Sexual and criminal exploitation, Coercive control and digital surviellence, Domestic violence ,Image-Based Abuse, Grooming, Cuckooing, Emotional and psychological abuse. Girls and women are often targeted for gender-specific exploitation. This can include sexual abuse, debt bondage, being used for recruitment, or being seen as “invisible” to authorities, making them easier to control. Graphic and text which reads- How do digital tools affect violence against women and girls in gangs? Digital tools play a major role in how violence against women and girls in gangs is carried out. Abuse follows victims into their phones, homes, and private spaces. Technology can also be used for sexual exploitation such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images. It has become a key part in the recruitment of women and girls, with social media being used for online grooming as well as inviting them to meet at places such as parties. It is often disguised as a friendship or romantic interest to the point there is emotional dependency. Girls are sometimes forced to share passwords, monitored through their devices and tracked using location features. This digital surveillance is often part of wider coercive control within gang environments. This limits their independence and is often paired with emotional manipulation, threats and offline abuse. Graphic of quote which reads- “For many of young people I work with, the pull of the gang- or the fear of going against it- makes seeking help incredibly challenging. The harm they experience can leave lifelong trauma, which is why awareness and early support are so crucial. My role is to offer a safe, confidential and empowering space for girls, even when they feel loyalty or fear is pulling them in another direction. Our service provides 1-1 and group support, helping girls navigate sexual health, relationships, and safety – and ensuring they never have to do it alone.”- Basis Yorkshire’s Gangs and Girls Specialist
December 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Join us for our Winter Wellbeing Party at drop-in!☃️❄️🎉

Hot food, festive crafts, massages, sexual health testing, blood pressure checks and maybe even some singing!🎤

Wed 10th Dec, 1pm-3pm

This space is for women and non-binary sex workers, and adults who have experienced exploitation.
Graphic with winter decor, text reads: You're invited to Basis Winter Wellbeing Party at Drop-in Wed 10th Dec 1-3pm. Festive crafts, hot food, sexual health, blood pressure checks, massage. Basis Yorkshire logo. Leeds Community Foundation logo. Leeds Council logo.
December 4, 2025 at 11:01 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
As part of 16 days against gender based violence, we are raising awareness to sexual exploitation and violence against adults.

Here at Basis Yorkshire, we work directly with adults affected by sexual exploitation, providing support, advocacy and safe spaces for recovery.
graphic and text which reads- Sexual exploitation and violence against adults. Sexual exploitation is gender- based violence and occurs both offline and online. Sexual exploitation happens when a person is coerced, forced or manipulated into engaging in sexual activities. It can happen by a partner, friend, family member or out of a need for basic necessities like food or accommodation. In the digital world, grooming, sextortion and image based abuse are increasingly used to target victims. Anyone can be a victim of sexual exploitation, but predominantly women and girls are at risk. graphic and text which reads- Sexual Exploitation can take place in many different forms.It can take place in physical and digital spaces. It involves an imbalance of power between the perpetrator and victim. ‘Sex for rent’ arrangements where accommodation is exchanged for sexual activity Being forced into ‘survival sex’ to access money, food or a place to stay Being coerced into the sex industry by a partner , friend or third party Becoming a victim of image based abuse or the non-consensual sharing of images Sextortion Trafficking Grooming refers to deliberate actions taken to befriend someone and establish an emotional connection before abuse or exploitation. Sexual exploitation often involves this grooming process in advance of the abuse. During this time, trust is slowly built before manipulation and exploitation begin. Grooming can occur in many settings, including social media, dating apps, community spaces, and more. graphic and text which reads- How does the online world impact sexual exploitation? Sexual exploitation is a form of digital violence. Digital spaces make it easier for abusers to hide, and harder for survivors to escape. Digital platforms create new risks for grooming, coercion and ongoing control. Abusers are now more hidden. They can use fake identities to groom victims into sharing intimate images. It has created new forms of abuse such as image based abuse. This refers to images or videos of a person without their knowledge or consent, and with the aim of causing them distress or harm. This has become easier online. Perpetrators can threaten to share sexual images to retain control or demand for more sexual content, making it harder for victims to escape coercive or controlling behaviour. This is called sextortion. AI can be used to create fake nude images or videos (“deepnudes” or deepfake porn). any real images at all. graphic and text of a quote that reads- “We’ve worked with a lot of women who have experienced digital abuse and exploitation since childhood, such as blackmailing women with imagery of themselves, being harassed on social media and sharing private imagery of women online without consent. Many people we work with don’t want to report, as they are very fearful of the people exploiting them.” - support worker at Basis Yorkshire
December 3, 2025 at 10:56 AM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
As part of 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, we are raising awareness to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

We recognise the impacts this has so we are here to provide the tools young people need to cope with their experiences, keep themselves safe and make healthy choices.
Graphic with text that reads: Child Sexual Exploitation. Child Sexual Exploitation is a form of Child Sexual Abuse. It occurs when an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive someone under the age of 18 into engaging in sexual activity, often in exchange for gifts, drugs, money or affection. Its is a hidden crime. Young people have often been groomed into trusting their abuser and may not understand that they're being abused. They might have formed a dependency or be fearful to tell others in case they loose the abuser or get in trouble. Graphic of spider diagram that reads : The online world is creating new risks and conditions for child sexual exploiation. Examples: Prohibited Images of Children, Indecent Images of Children, Online coercion and blackmail, Online Grooming, The possession, production and sharing of indecent images and prohibited images. Digital technology has broken previous barriers, meaning perpetrators can contact children at any time of the day. Contact during the night increases the abusers control over the child’s life and increases the secrecy of the abuse. Graphic of quote that reads: ‘It is essential to recognise that young people can be groomed both in person and online, and these forms of contact frequently overlap. Many young people report experiencing their online and offline environments as a single, integrated space. As such, these contexts should not be viewed as separate; rather, their interconnection must be fully understood. Perpetrators often identify and exploit a young person’s vulnerabilities, needs, or wants. These may include strained family relationships, feelings of isolation linked to gender or sexual identity, or ongoing mental or physical health difficulties. Grooming can affect any child, and perpetrators intentionally seek out intersecting vulnerabilities to facilitate manipulation and exploitation.’ - a support worker from the young peoples team at Basis Yorkshire Graphic that reads: What are the impacts of Child Sexual Exploitation? The effects of Child Sexual Exploitation are long-term and can impact a young persons life into adulthood. Whether it occurs online or offline these impacts may include: self-blame, low self-esteem, isolation from family and friends, behavioural problems at school and more. Any child can experience CSE however vulnerability can be increased by the intersection of multiple factors. Factors around identity (such as sexual orientation and gender identity) can create further vulnerabilities. A lack of representation and education on LGBTQ+ relationships can make young people feel isolated and seek support online with strangers. Additionally, children with disabilities or who are neurodivergent can be at increased risk. Other factors which increase vulnerability are: history of abuse, homelessness, being in or leaving care, poor mental health ect.
December 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
basisyorkshire.bsky.social
Today we are raising awareness of domestic violence as part of 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

Anyone can experience domestic violence, but women and girls are disproportionality affected. We are always here to support you or anyone you know who is at risk of domestic violence.
Graphic and text that reads: Domestic violence. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviours in a relationship that is used to maintain power and/or control over a partner, family or other household member. This can include physical, emotional, phycological, sexual, financial and/or digital abuse. Anyone can experience domestic violence, however women and girls are disproportionality affected. In the UK, every 30 seconds a domestic abuse call is made to the police. Home is not always a safe haven for women, as they are at greater risk to violence in intimate environments than anywhere else. #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence Graphic with text which reads- It is estimated that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non sexual partner in their lifetime. Domestic abuse is a threat globally for women and girls, and is one of the most common forms of violence experienced by women. Of the 165 countries with domestic violence laws, only 104 countries have comprehensive legislation addressing domestic violence. Those with domestic violence legislation have lower rates of intimate partner violence than those without. Graphic with text that reads-Underreporting. Despite the frequency at which it occurs, domestic abuse remains a largely hidden crime.Women often do not report or disclose incidents of domestic abuse to the police due to fear or not recognising what they are experiencing as abuse. So, in the UK it is estimated that only 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police. The figures we see are only a fraction of what occurs. Domestic abuse can leave survivors feeling isolated, fearful and alone and its impacts can extend into all areas of someone's life including mental health, physical health and family security. Graphic with text that reads- The impact of technology on Domestic Abuse. The rise of technology and the digitalisation of society has facilitated abuse. It has led to new ways abusers can exert control that is used to harm or frighten victim survivors. Technological abuse can also be used by perpetrators to isolate individuals, depriving them of their independence and regulating their everyday behaviour. Technology can also make reporting and accessing services difficult. ‘A lot of the clients I work with are at high risk of coercive control so the way in which I support them must be done with awareness that their phones may be monitored by perpetrators. It means I must be aware of how I contact them and makes referrals to other services challenging.’ - support worker, at Basis Yorkshire
November 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM