C-Card scheme - free condoms

What is the C-Card scheme?

If you are aged between 13 and 25 you can get free condoms through the local C-Card (condom-card) scheme.  The scheme is offered at lots of different locations across Wakefield to make it easy for you to get condoms when you need them. Once you have registered with the scheme, you can get them from anywhere where you see the C-Card symbol as well as from your local CaSH and GUM clinic.

If you are over 25 condoms are available from vending machines in pubs and clubs, from chemists and other shops such as petrol stations, online stores or from your GP or Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinic.

When you have sex, including oral sex, used correctly condoms are the best way to prevent you from catching or giving someone else an infection.  Condoms can also prevent pregnancy. When you are using condoms to prevent a pregnancy you are best to use them alongside another form of contraception.

Condom facts

Condom facts:

• 98% effective – if used correctly
• Protects from pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Easy to use with a bit of practice
• Condom packs should have a BSI kite mark or CE kite mark – this means they’ve been machine tested to a high standard
• Check the use by date – condoms passed this date will be less effective
• Each condom is for one use only

Where can I sign up and where can I get a C-Card?

You can sign up for your C-Card wherever you see this logo:

For where to go in the Wakefield district, please visit our C-Card venues page where you can get addresses, opening times and contact infomation.

What’s involved in getting a C-Card?

When you visit one of the places listed to register for a C-Card you will need to fill in a registration form, a trained advisor will be on hand if you need any help with this or if you have any questions.  The information you give is confidential within the C-Card scheme.

The advisor will go through some questions with you.  This is to make sure that sex is your decision and that you fully understand the potential risks including pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

The legal age of consent is 16, nationally most young people do not lose their virginity until they are 16 or older.

Even if you’ve had a sexual relationship with previous partners, don’t feel that you have to every time you start a new relationship. 

Your body – Your choice.

When you get your C-Card you’ll also get information such as how to use condoms properly, what to look for to make sure the condom isn’t damaged or out of date, emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) and STIs. The C-Card has a number which is unique to you and this means you don’t have to keep filling in forms and you can now get free condoms from any of the C-Card locations listed.