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Welcome to the Basis Yorkshire Newsletter
We have had an incredibly busy month here at Basis, fundraising, successful events and book launches. Whilst we have had some huge successes in terms of grants and fundraising, our funding from Pubic Health was reduced and our Health Advocacy work did not get funding to continue. In these unstable times, donations are as important as ever, so please don't hesitate to get involved in fundraising activities to make sure we can keep delivering the service we do to women and girls. Don't forget to keep updated with all our latest news by following us on social media and checking out our website...
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Our Voices Book Launch
In light on the production of the book 'Our Voices: perspectives that challenge the stigma and stereotypes that surround sex work', a book launch was held at the Brunswick to celebrate this feat. The event comprised of a moving introduction by Charlotte Carter that delved into the story of the book, how it came to be and what it has and will achieve. After which a panel was held with Emily Turner, Dr. Kate Lister and Gemma Scire to debate the issues raised in the book and its impact in wider society. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy about sex workers rights and I can safely say everyone left feeling empowered to carry on the book's message. We had a fabulous turn out and would like to thank all who attended, and of course to the women who made this book so special.
The books are now on sale at our Etsy store which you can find here for just £5, with select tart cards also priced £5 each. All profits will be directed straight back into the Sex Work Project.
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PADS Fundraiser
On Friday 28th April we attended the PADS Fundraiser at the Belgrave Music Hall. PADS stands for Power Action Dignity and Support and has been set up by Leeds University Students to campaign and raise awareness for Basis as well as Women’s Health Matters and Leeds Women’s Aid. This event was great fun with stalls from local artists, Girl Gang Leeds and a women only DJ workshop by Slut Drop.
We were warmly welcomed by all that attended and sold our ‘Our Voices’ book and some postcards. As well as fundraising, we had some great conversations about our work and stigma and issues faced by sex workers. We’re so pleased with their support and look forward to working with them in the future!
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Advocating for change
Basis were one of three organisations invited to present key elements of our work as part of the 'Violence Against Women and Girls' event, hosted by the Association of Charitable Foundations. It was attended by a number of key national trusts and foundations and an important platform to talk about the work that we do in particular about how empowerment, challenging blame, prejudice and stereotypes are key to addressing violence against women and girls.
Our CEO Gemma was also invited to speak at the Liberal Democrat party conference in York about the managed approach in Leeds. At the conference, the party overwhelmingly backed the motion to decriminalize sexwork. |
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Project and Outreach Assistant Oppurtunity
We have extended the deadline for applications for Project and Outreach Assistant until Thursday 11th May. This is a fantastic opportunity to get prime experience in a vibrant third sector charity, and will offer real responsibility and independence to the right candidate. The job description can be found here.
All CV's and cover letters should be directed to projectassistant@basisyorkshire.org.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!
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Venue Hire
Now fully equipped and waiting to be filled, our training room and small meeting room are available to hire. For more information, please visit our website where you can find a full price list, directions and additional requirements.
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CSE Conference
Basis and BLAST held a small conference on lessons learnt from the Child Friendly Approach for professionals supporting young people (YP) at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation. Opened by W. Yorkshire Chief Constable Dee Collins, the confernce shared lessons from cases including boys being sexually exploited not picked up by relevant services, the impact of trauma and poor attachment and how the child friendly approach equally applies to historic victims of CSE. The morning ended with a passionate contribution by a father whose son was unable to access the support he needed until he was referred to BLAST.
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More Fantastic Fundraising!
We would like to say an enormous thank you to the LUU Vertical Fitness Society, who raised a whopping £569.50 for Basis by putting on a Pole Showcase this month. It was a spectacular event and we are so grateful for their continued dedication to the charity. If one fundraising venture wasn't enough, a group of comedians delighted the crowds at Warf Chambers, and raised an amazing £150 for their night 'Lolshevism'.
Please do let us know if you would like to put on a fundraiser and keep up the good work!
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Chair of Women'sLivesLeeds
We are very proud to announce that our Chief Executive Gemma Scire has been appointed as Chair of Women's Lives Leeds, a consortium of 12 women and girls organisations in Leeds, funded by the Big Lottery. We know that she will lead this important consortium with strategic insight and passion for achieving long term change for women and girls in Leeds.
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