A CHARITY has received a £500,000 boost to expand a project supporting women involved in on and off-street sex work.

The Nelson Trust, based in Stroud, has been running a late night drop-in twice a week in the red-light districts of Gloucester and Swindon, supporting women in danger of violence and exploitation.

The £499,793 Big Lottery Fund boost will enable the charity to help more vulnerable women across Gloucestershire and increase the drop-ins to three nights a week.

Catherine Oadley, head of development at the charity which supports people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction said: "These women are under the radar and ignored by society. They are at risk and so vulnerable to violence.

"They’re out there because they have a Class A drug addiction.

"Our professionals can help them address underlying needs and past trauma.

"We have had such incredible support, and now this extra funding will help us grow, with a new sexual health clinic and more support workshops.

"We are so thankful to The Big Lottery Fund for enabling us to reach more women in Gloucestershire and get them the support they need to turn their lives around. We really do need volunteers to join our team."

The project has also been made possible by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Lankelly Chase.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact Kate Lewis katie.lewis@nelsontrust.com.