REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

INFLUENCING STRATEGIC and PRACTICAL CHANGE FOR HOUSING IN LEEDS FOR WOMEN SEXWORKERS WITH MULTIPLE COMPLEX NEEDS

Context and Background:

Late last year Basis Sex Work was awarded funding from Homeless Link to undertake work to improve the housing  pathways, offer and support for women sexworkers in Leeds using a system change approach. While the past year saw an increased focus in this area, experiences of staff and women still left room for improvement. As we know from our Housing First experience, housing can be a key catalyst for change, if supported and implemented well. Early this year, prior to Corona but particularly since Corona, housing provision and pathways have changed dramatically in a positive sense including greater gender specific housing emergency provision and  greater flexibility with referrals although long term housing capacity remains highly restricted. It is unclear which of these changes will remain in place and for what period of time and whether further improvements might still be necessary even if current changes remain as these have not been formally evaluated.

Outcomes:

We would therefore like to appoint a consultant to support us with the following outcome:

• A change in housing systems that results in improved pathways and support in relation to housing for women sexworkers in Leeds; working pro-actively with women sexworkers, government, third sector and other stakeholers to influence strategic homeless direction as well as influence practice to ensure this more effectively reflects and responds to the daily realities of women sexworkers (particularly those with multiple complex needs)

The full RFP can be downloaded here

Proposals to be submitted to Amber.wilson@basisyorkshire.org.uk (07940414141)

For more information please contact Amber.wilson@basisyorkshire.org.uk (07940414141)

Deadline for responding to proposal:  30th June 2020