About Us Sexual health promotion - an integrated approch...
Overview... The Sexual Health Promotion Service's aim is to "maximise sexual health and well-being throughout Birmingham and to reduce inequalities in sexual health". Our mission is to deliver a range of integrated, needs-led sexual health promotion initatives to diverse communities and professionals.
The approach is based on a positive, holistic concept of sexual health which values sexual rights, choice and diversity. We recognise the importance of identifying sexually vulnerable groups and individuals,
and of supporting people to develop the personal skills needed to develop healthy and safe relationships and resilience to sexual risk, pressure, coercion and violence. |
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Our Remit ...
The scope of our work is determined by Birmingham's HIV and Sexual Health Commissioners, based on a pan-Birmingham strategic overview, who specify funding levels and identify particular target groups to prioritise. These decisions are reached through a process of interpreting national strategy and policy, research and epidemiological data. Our remit for 2012/2013 includes targeted HIV prevention work and sexual health promotion with:
- African communities
- Young People
- African Caribbean communities
- Primary Care (through the SHIP scheme)
Our Methods ...
We offer a holistic service, using 'tried and tested' methods of health promotion practice. We are committed to working in partnership and to intensive and long-term engagement with individuals and communities to promote and sustain sexual health and well-being.
We provide advice and consultancy on a range of sexual health and related issues, including development of professional skills for practice, implementing new projects and initiatives for priority groups, devising policies and procedures, and general service improvement. We also contribute, from a health promotion perspective, to seminars, conferences and other sexual health events, and to the ongoing development of local and national strategy and policy.
Our Impact ...
The sexual health promotion services we provide also integrate with the clinical and other locally available sexual health services. Our preventative work makes a significant long-term contribution to reducing the consequences of poor sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, harmful relationships, and sexual stigma and discrimination. This work aims to contribute to the achievement of strategically identified targets and to reduce the need for clinical services.