What is SHOC and where is it based?

SHOC (Sexual Health On Call) was commissioned by Brent and Harrow Health Authority in 1999. It is now commissioned by Brent tPCT on behalf of Brent and Harrow PCTs. It was established to develop and support sexual health promotion and HIV prevention initiatives in general practice and primary health care teams.

What does SHOC do?

• SHOC promotes a structured condom distribution scheme within general practice and primary healthcare teams. SHOC works actively in helping primary healthcare providers develop their sexual health promotion. Since the beginning of the scheme, condom purchasing and provision has doubled every two years. In 2001-2002 primary care distributed over 0.5 million condoms in over 30,000 recorded interventions.
• SHOC, through its training arm ShivAG, promotes the professional development of practitioners through training and education. ShivAG provides training for GPs, practice nurses and midwives, along with other primary healthcare professionals.
• SHOC promotes the efficacy of condom distribution in general practice and develops health promotion programmes, in primary care, that are appropriate, responsive and accessible.
• SHOC runs specific targeted campaigns such as the 'You Can Expect' campaign - a health campaign aimed at young people in order to encourage them to use general practice, in particular, as a provider of sexual health services.

Sexual Health On Call
22 Lonsdale Road
Queen's Park
NW6 6RR

Telephone/fax: 020 7604 4826