MASH, a Manchester-based charity which supports women who sex work, has appointed Jen Glover as its new specialist sexual health nurse.
Jen brings with her 39 years’ nursing experience with particular expertise in supporting women and young people who may face barriers to accessing health care.
Jen Glover, sexual health nurse, MASHJen’s experience includes six years as a lead nurse at Styal Prison where she spearheaded many innovative approaches to sex and relationship education including hosting her own radio show ‘Jen’s Vaginal Dialogues’ which succeeded in getting more women thinking and talking about their sexual health.
MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) provides non-judgemental support to women who sex work to empower them and promote health, wellbeing and personal safety. Based at the MASH centre in its specialist clinic, Jen’s role will include leading on health education, providing testing and sexual health screenings, contraception, vaccinations and sexual assault referrals.
On taking on her new role, Jen said:
“I have always been passionate about working with women and helping to reduce inequalities in health. I admire MASH’s work and approach and am so pleased to have joined the team when, sadly, these services are needed more than ever.
“I believe that everyone should have access to high-quality health services and my ambition in this role is to provide the support that enables women to make informed and active choices about their personal and sexual health and relationships.
“At MASH we pride ourselves on taking our service to women where they are at and I’m looking forward to helping more women to feel confident and empowered when it comes to their own physical health and mental wellbeing.”
Jen will also continue in her role at Brook Sexual Health where she has worked since 2015 providing free, confidential sexual health services for young people.
Annie Emery, CEO at MASH, said:
“Many of the women we support tell us MASH is the only place they feel able to access when it comes to their health needs so Jen is an absolutely essential member of our team.
“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Jen’s experience, knowledge and expertise on the team and she has already shown herself to be someone who can quickly build trust with women who visit MASH. Her warm personality and sense of humour shine through, and we are looking forward to launching some of her brilliant ideas for health education.”
MASH’s team of dedicated staff and volunteers support women via their drop-in centre, on foot outreach and their specialist drop-in vehicle which travels around the streets of Manchester late at night providing a safe space for women to step on and access support.