Spectra

Today is International Day to End Violence against Sex Workers. On this day, we honor those in our community who have been victims of violence, and aim to raise awareness about the discrimination and violence that sex workers face worldwide. We remember those we have lost, whilst advocating for changes that could build a safer future for us, such as the decriminalization of sex work and obtaining labour rights. Established in 2003, this date was selected by Dr Annie Sprinkle alongside the Sex Worker Outreach project, as a response to the Green River Killer, who infamously targeted those within the sex worker community during the 80s and 90s. His crimes went undetected for nearly two decades, largely due to the marginalization of his victims. There is no doubt that stigma and criminalization make sex workers especially vulnerable to violence - and less likely to seek help from police. Evidence also suggests that police have often failed to treat the murders of Sex workers with appropriate urgency and action. Join us in collective remembrance, mourning and solidarity on IDEVASW, as we continue to fight for our rights and for a better future for sex workers around the world. For support from Advocates with Lived Experience, email askalex@spectra-london.org.uk

Spectra stands alongside our partners, Mermaids, and other LGBTQ+ voluntary sector organisations in highlighting the harms of the announcement of a permanent ban on puberty-suppressing medicines for trans and gender-diverse children and young people outside of a clinical trial. We know that decisions like this make it harder for trans and gender-diverse children and young people and their families to access the care and support they need amidst already incredibly long waiting lists for gender-affirming care. Our services are here to provide therapeutic support and social groups for trans and gender-diverse young people to support them in living their lives authentically and with dignity. https://lnkd.in/dZS2G4kQ

We’re excited to share Levelling the Field by the Trans Learning Partnership – the first major research project to look broadly at the experiences of trans people of colour in the UK. It was conceived of, and led, by and for trans people of colour. You can find the full report, short summaries and a zine here: https://lnkd.in/gfJV_Jv2 Levelling the Field’s research explored: 1️⃣ Pertinent issues affecting trans people of colour in the UK 2️⃣ Structural barriers encountered by trans people of colour in accessing services and assets 3️⃣ The impact of recent public discourse on racial justice and structural inequality has had on trans people of colour Conducted over three years, the research team included Sidney Amir (the TLP’s TPOC Coordinator), staff at the Trans Learning Partnership, and a group of community researchers. An advisory group of trans people of colour with varied life experiences and a group of academic advisors from the University of Glasgow, Oxford Brookes University and Goldsmiths, University of London. We are proud to have been part of the The Trans Learning Partnership, alongside our partner organisations Gendered Intelligence. Mermaids, and LGBT Foundation Thank you Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for providing funding for this project!

LAST WEEK TO APPLY for the Simon Dennis Award are still open! If you, or someone you know, have an idea but not sure where to start please get in touch — we’re happy to discuss it and help guide the application process. 📆 Due date: 30th November 2024. 💷 Grant amount: up to £2,500 🔗 Information & application form: https://lnkd.in/gK5jS9Ha ✅ Are you a not-for-profit grassroots organisation or community group? ✅ Do you support individuals who are socially marginalised, economically disadvantaged, experiencing discrimination, stigma, lack of opportunity and/or health inequalities? ✅ Do you have an idea for a project that aligns with Spectra's vision and work? ➡️ This round we especially want to hear from applicants working with and / or providing services for people who engage in sex work. (Please do still apply if your project has a different focus that aligns with the mission and aim of the award). Please email Aneela on aneela@spectra-london.org.uk, or just send us a DM and we'll get back to you.

🩸 Join Us for World AIDS Day 2024!🩸 Come together with us to honour World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, showing support, and fostering a community of compassion. 📅 Date: 4th December 2024 📍 Location: Civic Suite, Wandsworth Town Hall, SW18 2PP ⏰ Time: 10am - 4pm ✨ Let’s remember the power of **Heart | Body | Soul** as we unite to end stigma, promote education, and advocate for dignity and equity in healthcare for all. Interested in joining? Drop us a message or follow this link to register your interest: https://lnkd.in/gnQhZYGk This event is hosted by the South West London Sexual Health Teams in partnership with Spectra, Metro and Kunsaka. We look forward to seeing you there! #WorldAIDSDay2024 #EndTheStigma

Applications for the Simon Dennis Award are still open! If you, or someone you know, have an idea but not sure where to start please get in touch — we’re happy to discuss it and help guide the application process. 📆 Due date: 30th November 2024. 💷 Grant amount: up to £2,500 🔗 Information & application form: https://lnkd.in/gK5jS9Ha ✅ Are you a not-for-profit grassroots organisation or community group? ✅ Do you support individuals who are socially marginalised, economically disadvantaged, experiencing discrimination, stigma, lack of opportunity and/or health inequalities? ✅ Do you have an idea for a project that aligns with Spectra's vision and work? ➡️ This round we especially want to hear from applicants working with and / or providing services for people who engage in sex work. (Please do still apply if your project has a different focus that aligns with the mission and aim of the award). Please email Aneela on aneela@spectra-london.org.uk, or just send us a DM and we'll get back to you.

Spectra is thrilled to announce the appointment of Joel Robinson (he/him) as our new Chief Executive Officer. Joel brings over two decades of experience in the fields of HIV, Sexual Health, and advocacy for trans and gender diverse health. His career includes a range of senior positions, most recently as Acting Co-CEO and Director of Services at METRO Charity. Joel is excited to join Spectra, recognising it as a dynamic organisation that is making a real difference in the communities it serves. As someone with lived experience of gender diversity, Joel is particularly passionate about ensuring the continued delivery and growth of our peer-led services to the diverse communities we support, as well as advocating for their rights. Joel’s appointment marks a new chapter for Spectra as we continue to grow and expand our impact. We look forward to his leadership and the fresh perspectives he will bring to the role. For more information, please contact info@spectra-london.org.uk.

We have two free half-day courses coming up for professionals working with Young People! Why not book both and make a day of it? 🕚 Times: see below 🗓 Date: Tuesday 3rd December 📍 Location: The Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road,Morden SM4 6PX 🕚  9.30am – 12.30pm Introduction to Reproductive and Sexual Health A half-day training covering reproductive and sexual health including fertility, contraception, and YP access to health services  The session aims to challenge myths and misconceptions around sex, and sexual health and to increase understanding of how sexual health relates to wellbeing and vice versa. 🎟 Sign up: bit.ly/intro-sexual-health 🕚  1:30pm – 4.30pm Talking To Young People About Sex and Relationships A half-day training aiming to increase confidence in addressing sex and relationship concerns with the young people they support  Staff will gain a greater awareness of the factors which can help and hinder conversations about sex and relationships, and will learn tools and strategies to make their own conversations with young people easier. 🎟 Sign up: bit.ly/talking-to-YP 👉🏽 Open to anyone working with young people. Priority given to staff working in Merton London Borough Council, but open to professionals from Kingston City Council, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.

We‘re so excited to finally share: “Searching“ https://lnkd.in/gmtmU7ww The short film gives an overview of Spectra’s trans services. From counselling, to health advocacy, to mentoring and social groups – our services are delivered by people of trans experience themselves in a friendly, safe, confidential, non-judgemental and accessible space. The film was made with Director Tegan James and Producer Anna-Marie Ramm from Balance; support, guidance and expertise of Media Trust and Executive Producer Michaela Lowe and Project Coordinator Lily Usher; Executive Production from our Trans Health Advocate Belito Bale and funding from The Mercers' Company. 🙏 We want to give a special thank you to all our incredible cast and crew who volunteered their time to make this film with us. ✨ Please check out the video for the full list of credits – so many talented people made this possible! 🏳️⚧️ Visit our website to find out more about our trans services: https://lnkd.in/eMcjmKAj

We’re hiring! ➡️ Young People’s Service Lead Maternity Cover, 1 Year Fixed Term Contract 3 days (21 hours) per week £32,000 per annum FTE (£19,200 per annum pro rata) ℹ️ Spectra is seeking a dedicated Young People’s Service Lead to oversee and enhance our youth services across South West London. This part-time role involves developing and supporting our youth service offer, managing a team of professionals, and acting as the key liaison between Spectra, clinical services, schools, and other youth agencies. ⏰ Apply by: Midday, 6th November ℹ️ All the info and job description on our website: https://lnkd.in/dU_mUbt Please don't hesitate to apply: we have a dynamic recruitment process, so any promising applicants will be contacted and invited for interview as soon as their application is received. #London #jobvacancy #thirdsector #ApplyNow #LGBTQ #notforprofit #jobsUK #HiringNow #youngpeople #WeAreHiring