Outreach is one of the main ways SWOP NSW connects with sex workers across New South Wales. It’s about meeting workers where they are, in their workplaces, online, and in community spaces, and making sure they have access to information, resources, and support.
During outreach, our team provides safer sex supplies, up-to-date information on sexual health and legal rights, and practical resources that help sex workers stay safe and informed. It’s also a chance for workers to raise questions, share concerns, or ask for referrals to other services like health care, counselling, or peer support.
By showing up regularly, we create opportunities for open conversations, reduce stigma, and make sure sex workers know they have somewhere to turn if they need support.
Because sex work happens in many different settings, outreach takes many forms: visiting brothels and private workplaces, connecting with street-based workers, and engaging with workers online. This flexibility makes sure SWOP NSW’s services are accessible to all sex workers, wherever they are and however they work.
At its heart, outreach is about peer connection. It’s sex workers supporting sex workers, making sure our community has the tools, knowledge, and confidence to stay safe, healthy, and empowered.
Outreach looks different depending on where and how we connect with sex workers, but the purpose is always the same, making sure our community has access to support, supplies, and information.
Metro outreach happens regularly in Sydney and nearby areas. These visits are often routine and consistent, with our team dropping into brothels, private workplaces, and street-based locations. Because it’s ongoing, workers know to expect us and can count on steady access to safer sex supplies, sexual health info, and resources around rights and safety. Metro outreach is about being reliable and building long-term trust with workers in the city.
Regional outreach is less frequent but often more intensive. It involves travelling longer distances to reach sex workers outside metropolitan areas, where stigma can be stronger and access to sex worker–friendly services more limited. These visits bring vital resources directly to regional communities and often focus on creating lasting connections, linking workers with local health services, and making sure regional voices are represented in broader conversations about sex work.
Party outreach is a completely different experience, it takes place at events, clubs, and community gatherings. The focus is less about routine visits and more about visibility, harm reduction, and celebration. Our team provides safer sex supplies, harm reduction information, and creates opportunities for casual conversations around consent, safety, and wellbeing. Party outreach also plays an important role in reducing stigma by showing sex workers as part of the wider community in fun and social spaces.
Each type of outreach is unique, metro is consistent and routine, regional is far-reaching and connection-focused, and party outreach is visible and celebratory. Together, they make sure sex workers across NSW can access support in the way that best fits their needs and circumstances.
Our drop-ins are a space for sex workers to come by, connect, and access support in a way that feels relaxed and easy. You don’t need an appointment, just drop in when it suits you.
At drop-ins, you can pick up free safer sex supplies, get up-to-date information on health and legal rights, or have a chat with our team about anything that’s on your mind. It’s also a good place to ask for referrals to services like sexual health clinics, counselling, or other supports if you need them.
Many workers come by simply to have a cup of tea, catch up with peers, or take a break in a stigma-free environment. It’s your space to connect, recharge, and know you’re among community.
Whether you’re looking for resources, information, or just a friendly face, SWOP’s drop-ins are here to make sure sex workers feel welcomed, respected, and supported.
