Spotlight on CLASH & SHOC: Community-Focussed Sexual Health Outreach

The LSHP wanted to take this opportunity to put a spotlight on the brilliant work being done in North Central London through the Health Promotion Team at Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust – known locally as CLASH (Central London Action on Sexual Health) and SHOC (Sexual Health on Call). This team plays a vital role in reaching communities that often face the greatest barriers to care.

Commissioned across Camden, Islington and Haringey, this work is a powerful example of cross-borough partnership in action. By pooling resources and aligning priorities, commissioners in North Central London are enabling a more joined-up approach to outreach, engagement and care for some of the city’s most under-served groups.

CLASH supports sex workers, LGBTQIA+ communities, people experiencing homelessness, and Black, Brown and global majority communities. Their work is grounded in an inclusive, person-centred approach, meeting individuals in the spaces they feel safe – whether that’s a flat, a sauna, a barbershop, or a community centre.

Akeem Ogunyemi, Commissioning Manager for Haringey, highlighted that “CLASH and SHOC exemplify what community-based sexual health support should look like – inclusive, compassionate, and rooted in real understanding of the communities they serve.”

Natalie Clark, Commissioning Manager for Islington, added, “As commissioners, we’re proud to support this work, which not only reaches those most at risk but also builds trust, promotes equity, and improves long-term health outcomes across North Central London.”

Through a combination of free, confidential outreach and nurse-led clinics, CLASH and SHOC offer sexual health testing, contraception advice, and harm reduction support. They also provide education and training for professionals and community members, and offer pathways into wider services, including mental health, pregnancy choices, and substance misuse support.

Working in partnership with PrEP services, inclusion health professionals, and local organisations, the team strives to reduce sexual health inequalities and promote better outcomes. Their commitment to culturally competent, accessible care helps to create safer, more supportive environments for some of London’s most under-served communities – and shows the value of collaboration across borough boundaries in making that possible.

Kaylee Linton, CLASH / SHOC Health Promotion Service Manager says, “Accessing healthcare can be a major challenge—especially for those with complex needs—which is why the heart of our work lies in taking our services directly to them. We strive not only to meet people where they are, but also to support and empower them to take ownership of their health in a way that makes sense for their lives.

Our team places immense value on our service users, putting their sexual health needs at the core of everything we do. The team create an inclusive environment, where everyone we see is treated with respect and dignity and their contributions are valued in their decision -making process.

Our work wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships. We’re proud of the impact we’ve made—the real, lasting change in people’s lives is the reason we do what we do”.