Condoms are one of the most popular contraceptive methods. One of their many perks is that they are, arguably, the easiest contraception to access. You can buy them at a supermarket, from garages, from vending machines. However, some people don't realise you can get them for free.
Anyone between the ages of 13 and 24 is entitled to join the Condom Card, or C-Card, scheme, and access free condoms, lube and confidential sexual health advice. After claiming your free C-Card, you can just pop it in your purse or wallet alongside your debit card, driver's license (if you are old enough) and Boots Advantage card.
Condoms are 98 per cent effective and come under the barrier method category (along with female condoms and diaphragms). They are one of the few contraceptive options that will protect you from STIs, as long as they are used correctly. However, it is important to remember that they have use-by dates, and it is possible for them to tear due to friction, or even if they are caught by someone’s jewellery.
Kirsti Bartlett, specialist sexual health promotion officer for the Terrence Higgins Trust Norfolk, said: "The UK is covered by a patchwork of condom schemes which vary in terms of their age range and the products offered. Each registration provides a C-Card and a starter pack of 7 condoms and lube. Whenever someone shows their C-Card, they get 12 free condoms and lube."
You can use your C-Card to pick up more condoms up to 10 times in six months if you are under 18. However, if you are between 18-24 years old you can get them 20 times over the same six-month time frame. The age ranges and the way the scheme works is slightly different across the country as each council has its own version of a C-Card.
Every location in the UK which is part of the C-Card scheme offers a one on one chat to each person when they register so they have all relevant information about the scheme and what the local health services offer and to make sure they are in a healthy and happy state of mind. As stated earlier you also get a starter pack of condoms and lube, and each time you show your C-Card you can obtain more.
Unfortunately, a number of people are unaware of the C-Card scheme, even though it isn't something new. It first became available on the West Lothian NHS, where it is known as the Get It On Condom Card, or GIO C-Card. Mark Baillie, from Chalmers Sexual Health Centre, said: "It started in Edinburgh in 1989. The first two C-Card points, which were called pick up points, were at Dean Terrace Family Planning and Brook."
Newcastle was the first city in England to welcome the C-Card scheme, after members of the council went to a conference in Scotland. Since then it has spread across the rest of England and has seen success in reducing pregnancies after the introduction to council areas.
Mike said: "If I was aware of this when I was younger, I definitely would have used it to get information, but because I'm older and know more I don’t think I’ll access it that much. A lot of people have issues going to doctors or adults when it comes to sex related topics, I think this provides a good middle ground where people can get the information they need and still feel confident and secure."
Harriet Yudkin, a health improvement practitioner from Newcastle City Council, said: “I am a huge supporter of the scheme. The scheme has reached thousands of across the UK, even those who aren’t sexually active yet by taking these services to them it engages them. It’s about talking to them and making them feel comfortable and confident to learn how condoms work and about what a healthy relationship is.”
The C-Card Scheme allows people who have not yet reached the legal age of consent, which is 16 years old, to access the scheme. This allows them to build up trust with sexual health clinics so if they feel more comfortable and confident when talking about sexual health and asking for advice. It will not only boost the chances of them utilising NHS sexual health services but will also allow young people to be more informed about sex and most likely be able to gauge better when they feel ready. Especially as the average age of people who visit sexual health or GUM clinics is 28, according to Liam Beattie at the Terrence Higgins Trust.
By providing free condoms and educating men on all things sexual health, as well as providing a contraceptive that generally costs could help take the onus off women to be on contraceptives and make men more inclined to carry condoms with them. Andy said: “I think the C-Card scheme is an absolutely excellent idea. Seeing how expensive condoms in shops really doesn't make you want to splash out for them. If they weren’t free I think a lot less people would use them.”
One factor that puts people off is that the C-Card scheme does not offer as big a variety as shops such as Boots, or Sainsbury’s have. Some people claim that they do not trust the brand that they offer, as it is not Durex. However, depending on where you get your condoms from depends what you can choose from. Locations can offer latex free condoms, flavoured condoms, different brands, a variety of sizes, and some places even give out female condoms. Different councils even offer varying services, such as postal services for receiving condoms, a home testing kit (for chlamydia), and even an app.
You can register for a C-Card and collect your condoms from most sexual health and GUM clinics, some colleges even take part in it. To find out where your nearest distribution centre you need to check your local C-Card website and it will tell you on there. With them being specifically targeted at young people, even though you register for a C-Card within your council area, if you move away for university, or a job, or any other reason, you can use that C-Card in your new area without having to sign up for a new one.
*All graphs used data from Public Health England.
