The C-Card Scheme is a free outreach condom and lubricant distribution service for young people aged 13-24 years living in West London. There are distribution centres across the city comprising registration and pick-up points. These are based in young people-friendly services such as GP practices, youth clubs, NHS Walk-In centres, pharmacies and outreach venues. It is a confidential service (confidentiality would be breached only if the young person was at serious risk of harm).

 

On their first visit a young person must attend a registration point to gain access to the service. They will be seen by a trained worker who will register them. This involves giving information around safer sex and condom use, how to put a condom on using a plastic demonstrator, delaying sex, negotiating condom use, sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Information will also be provided on how and where to access emergency contraception and information around mainstream sexual health services.

 

If the young person is under 18 they will be assessed for any child protection issues, e.g. consensual sex, exploitation, age of partner, etc. If the worker is happy that the young person has understood all the information and there are no child protection issues to follow up, then they will be given a C-Card with their own personal number on. All under 18s will be given an expiry date of one year from date of registration. When their card has expired they must undergo the registration process again. The cards for 18-24 year olds expire on their 25th birthday.

 

After their initial visit they can use their card at any registration or pick up point to get supplies of condoms and lubricants. Pick-up points are for supplies, and only registered C-Card users can use them. At several sites young people can also get free Chlamydia screening.

 

Minimal personal details are taken during registration, and they include: date of birth, ethnicity, gender, postcode and sexual orientation. This is to aid the development and expansion of the scheme within areas of highest need (e.g. areas with the highest teenage conception rates), and to ensure the scheme is being accessed by young people who would not ordinarily access mainstream sexual health services (e.g. vulnerable young people, young offenders or looked after young people, young people from black/ethnic minority groups).

 

L4H C-Card Scheme gives FREE condoms and lube to young people aged 13-24. You can access the service whether you are male or female, no matter what your sexual orientation is. It does not matter whether you are having sex, thinking about having sex, or if you are just curious.

 

How do I get C-Card condoms?

• Sign up at any C-Card Registration Point

• You will discuss some sexual health issues with a C-Card worker in private

• You give your date of birth and part of your postcode. We give you a C-Card and a selection pack of condoms

• Whenever you want condoms, visit any C-Card Issue Point

• Show your C-Card and indicate which type of condoms and lube you want, by name, colour or number. You can choose a mixture of 12 items

• Your C-Card is marked every time you use it

• When you visit the C-Card Point - be sure to check out if they offer any other sexual health services.