C-Card Condoms (under 25s)

CCARD

As a member of the C-Card Scheme you have access to FREE condoms (external and internal), lubricant, and oral/dental dams as well as lots of information and advice. You need to visit a 3 in 1 registration point to join the scheme. This scheme is for under 25s only.

Open 3-in-1 sites

Visit the service finder to find your nearest 3-in-1 site.

You can find your nearest 3 in 1 point by searching for C-Card Registration on the service finder.

Where ever you see the 3 in 1 logo you can access the following services at that site:

  • C-Card registration (condom scheme)
  • C-Card pickup for existing members
  • Pregnancy testing
  • Chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening

You must be under the age of 25 to access this service.


What happens at a C-Card registration?

A trained worker will spend a minimum of 15 minutes with you going through the following:

  • Your Age (you have to be under the age of 25 to join).
  • Checking you’re not in any danger.
  • Checking you’re not putting someone else in danger.
  • What support you have from parents/carers and friends.
  • Checking that you understand all of the information that is being given to you.
  • A condom demonstration.
  • The products available and how to use them.


    The 3 in 1 scheme collects demographic data (no identifiable information) from young people signing up for a C-Card in order to monitor trends in C-Card usage. The information provided will be stored securely, in line with The Data Protection Act 2018, General Data Protection Regulations and will only be accessed by professionals involved in the planning, delivery and monitoring of this service.

    Registered members

    Once you’ve been through the registration process you’ll are given a C-Card with your own individual ID number. You can take this card to lots of sites around the city and access free condoms. Take a look at the map below to find your nearest point.

    Every 6-12 months (depending on your age) you’ll be asked to have a quick one-one with a worker to check you’re still in a safe situation and have everything you need.

    Condom Choices

    External or internal condoms are the only form of contraception that if used properly can offer prevention from both sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy.

    External Condoms

    External condoms are made from very thin latex and can be used for oral, anal and vaginal sex. They are worn on your penis.

    If used correctly external condoms are 98% effective. This means that two out of 100 people using external condoms as contraception will become pregnant in one year.

    There are lots of different shapes, sizes, textures and flavours of condoms available on the scheme. Some people are allergic to latex so we offer non latex products as well.



    All C-Card condoms carry both the CE mark and the British Kite Mark which means they have been tested to European and British Safety Standards.

    For instructions on how to use an external condom click here.

    Internal Condoms

    Internal condoms are an alternative to external condoms. They are inserted into your vagina and are held in by the vaginal wall muscles.

    Internal condoms have a slightly higher failure rate than external condoms. If used correctly, internal condoms are 95% effective.

    This means that five out of 100 people who are capable of becoming pregnant using internal condoms as contraception will become pregnant in a year.

    Internal condoms come ready lubricated to make them easier to use. Some people also like to use additional lubrication but this should only be used on the penis or inside the condom as application to the outside could cause it to slip out of the vagina.

    For more information on internal condoms click here.

    Lubricants

    Lubricants (lube) are always given out with C-Card condoms as they are proven to make condoms less likely to tear during vaginal and anal sex.

    Lube can also help enhance sexual pleasure.

    Water based lubricants should only ever be used with latex condoms. Other oil based lubes such as Vaseline & Baby Oil will damage the condom and make it unsafe to use. Lubricants are applied to the outer side of the condom once it’s on the penis. It can also be put on the genitals as well. Although lubricant can increase sexual pleasure it shouldn’t be a substitute for foreplay which is very important part of sex.

    Oral Sex Dams

    An oral sex dam is a latex or polyurethane square, about 15cm by 15cm, which you can use to cover the anus or vagina during oral sex. Dams act as a barrier to help prevent STIs passing from one person to another during oral sex. Dams, like condoms, should only be used once. Dams cannot be used for penetrative sex. They are also known as dental dams.