Catherine Tottie

In my role as Housing Influencing Change Worker for Basis Yorkshire, I identify and challenge the systematic problems that prevent women who sex work from accessing stable accommodation. This project focuses particularly on devising strategic and operational solutions to hidden homelessness, widening understanding of trauma informed approaches, and amplifying the voices of women who sex work in discussions around homelessness strategy.

Basis Yorkshire’s Adult Sex Work team specialise in providing high-quality holistic support to women and non-binary people who sex work in Leeds. Based on model of harm reduction, Basis support women and non-binary people to work safely, free from stigma or harm. This can include support with housing, benefits, sexual health, substance use, and support for those looking to reduce or exit sex work. Alongside this we also offer professional training and guidance to individuals and organisations seeking to embed sex worker-friendly practices.