In January of this year, the SRUC Students’ Association was invited to participate in a Scotland-wide campaign aimed at supporting student sex workers at universities and HE colleges.

Sex work encompasses various forms, including stripping, escorting, pornography (including adult content creation), and sugar dating. It is important to acknowledge that student sex work is a significant issue that affects up to 5% of students. The current cost-of-living crises have contributed to an increased prevalence, with as many as 20% of students considering engaging in sex work.

While SRUC and SRUCSA neither promote nor discourage individuals from entering sex work, we believe it is crucial for anyone considering sex work to gather comprehensive information before making a decision. With this in mind, we would like to share the following resources:

1. SRUC Student Support Services: In addition to the existing sex worker support charities mentioned below, SRUC’s student support services are available to anyone in need of mental health support. You can reach them at this email address: StudentSupportGeneral@sruc.ac.uk.
2. Guidance and Resources:
   • Support for Student Sex Workers (SfSSW): SfSSW provides a confidential service online, over the phone, and in person. Their staff consists of experienced mental health professionals and sex worker advocates who will work with you to provide the support you need.
   • ScotPep: This sex worker-led charity prioritizes the safety, rights, mental and physical health of all individuals involved in sex work. ScotPep campaigns for laws that support sex workers and ensures their voices are heard in debates and represented in sex work policy, resources, and within the social justice sector, specifically in Scotland.
   • National Ugly Mugs (NUM): NUM is a pioneering national organization that aims to provide sex workers with greater access to justice and protection. They focus on addressing the issues of dangerous individuals targeting sex workers, obstacles to reporting incidents, accessing services, and police protection. NUM serves sex workers of all genders, ages, abilities, cultures, and modes of work. They offer a digital reporting and alerting mechanism to warn communities about individuals who may pose a threat. Their team includes experienced support staff and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) who provide individualized specialist support to ensure sex workers have the necessary information and resources to make important choices about their lives.
   • SWARM: SWARM is a collective founded and led by sex workers who believe in self-determination, solidarity, and cooperation. Although their meetings are England-based, their website offers a wealth of helpful resources for sex workers and information about sex work.

By making these resources available, SRUCSA and SRUC are committed to ensuring that student support staff are properly trained to provide assistance to students involved in sex work. This commitment stems from the collaborative efforts of the student association and the engagement of SRUC’s Executive Leadership Team.

We hope that these resources will help individuals seeking support and information on student sex work. Remember, your well-being and informed decision-making are of utmost importance