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About us

A brief overview of the work that we do and the values that underpin it.
Two women chatting over table with pen and paper

Our vision is to see a society where everyone is valued, treated with dignity and able to live a fulfilling life; without the danger of being trafficked or sexually exploited.

Charis is based in West Hertfordshire and specifically supports women, and trans women, trans feminine and non-binary people and anyone assigned male at birth (AMAB) but who identifies differently, affected by or in the sex industry.

This includes those who consider themselves sex workers, independent and agency escorts, those that work in licensed sex establishments, and those who exchange sex for necessities (such as rent, food, drugs etc).

Laptop and condom

At Charis we focus on:

  • Preventative work
  • Regular outreach
  • Practical and emotional support
  • PREVENTATIVE WORK: providing training and education in recognising, responding to, and preventing human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the sex industry.
    PREVENTATIVE WORK: providing training and education in recognising, responding to, and preventing human trafficking and sexual exploitation in the sex industry.
  • REGULAR OUTREACH: our team of volunteers and staff regularly visit those working in the sex industry at off-street establishments, on the street and online
    REGULAR OUTREACH: our team of volunteers and staff regularly visit those working in the sex industry at off-street establishments, on the street and online
  • PRACTICAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT; through our key-working, chaplaincy service, advocacy, advice, crisis care and signposting
    PRACTICAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT; through our key-working, chaplaincy service, advocacy, advice, crisis care and signposting

We understand that the experiences of every person are unique, and so we will not make any assumptions about what someone may or may not need.

Charis aims to engage at whatever the point of need, with the utmost care and respect for each person.

We want our service to always be responsive and inclusive.

Diverse line of women smiling

At Charis we provide a support service based on being consistent, trustworthy and transparent.

We work collaboratively and support people to get to a place where they feel empowered.

We want each person to feel validated and affirmed each time they meet with us.

We value listening and hearing what each individual that we work with has to share and say.

In order to address the varied needs of the people we work with, Charis has built effective partnerships across a broad range of agencies. This ensures easy access to services for the people we work with and the highest standard of support.

Charis exists to give people in the sex industry the opportunity for choice again (where so many choices have previously been taken from them); a choice to exit if they wish, and a choice to rebuild a new life as they would choose to live it.

Our offer of support is always a choice and never an obligation.

Two young women coffee

Charis started in 2008 as an outreach project to people in the sex industry from a local church to address a need in the community. In 2014 Charis Tiwala became a registered charity.

We recognise that we are not experts on the sex industry therefore we endeavour to continue to change, learn, and to listen to those we work with; to be able to offer the best support that we can to those who are affected by or in the sex industry.