Here is a selection of questions that young people have asked us about the C Card scheme. If you have a question that is not listed here, then go to 'just ask us'. Post us your question and we will add it to the list.
Question
Why do I need a C Card?
Answer
The C Card allows you to get FREE condoms from places other than family planning and young people clinics. These include venues such as youth centres and Connexions Access Points.
Question
What is the difference between a registration point and an access point?
Answer
At a registration point you can register on the scheme, get your C Card and a supply of condoms. At an access point you can only get condoms; you cannot register there.
Question
How long does registration take?
Answer
The person registering you will ask you some simple questions such as your age and first part of your postcode. They do not want your name or address. The process takes about 15 minutes and you will have a demonstration on how to correctlly put on a condom, using a demonstration model of course! You will then receive your C Card.
Question
How many times can I use my C Card?
Answer
You can use your C Card up to 20 times before you have to get a new one.
Question
Will the person at the access point know the answers to questions I might have about sex?
Answer
Possibly. These workers have been trained in order to give out condoms and advise young people on where they can get more advice if needed.
Question
I have lost my C Card what do I do?
Answer
You should go back to a registration point. If you can remember your registration number they can give you another card. If you can't they can re-register you. You will still be able to get 2-3 condoms even if you can't register straight away.
Question
Why should I use condoms?
Answer
Condoms are very important as they help prevent infections spreading. They also help to stop pregnancy. Even if you are using contraception you should still use condoms as extra protection.
Question
Do they stop Chlamydia?
Answer
Yes, if they are used properly. If you are worried about Chlamydia, the local family planning, young people clinics and some registration points can offer you Chlamydia screening.
Question
How do you put a condom on properly?
Answer
You will be shown how to put a condom on properly when you register for your C Card.
Question
What happens if a condom splits?
Answer
If your condom fails during sex you need to access emergency contraception as soon as possible. Emergency contraception can be taken up to 72 hours after the event, but it is more effective the earlier it is taken. You can get emergency contraception from family planning and young people clinics or your own doctor. Pharmacists can sell you emergency contraception, or, if you are under 20 you can access FREE emergency contraception through one of the pharmacists on our scheme. Look under the services section to find pharmacists near you.
Question
Why are condoms being given out by youth workers as well as health clinics or designated points?
Answer
Research suggests that young people often don’t feel comfortable accessing traditional sexual health services. Young people often see youth workers and youth support workers as being a credible source of information and support. The relationship between youth workers and young people is informal and individual support can be provided on sensitive issues. Youth groups and projects can provide young people with the ideal setting within their communities to seek advice and support on sexual health matters and access to condoms.
Question
By providing condoms aren’t you encouraging young people to have sex?
Answer
The provision of sexual health advice, information and resources is not known to increase the likelihood of early sexual activity. In fact, it may well delay it, as young people who are better informed are more able to make the decision not to engage in early sexual activity.
Making it difficult for young people to access information about sexual health and obtain condoms may be a contributory factor in the prevalence of unprotected sex. Ignorance and inconsistent use of contraception contributes to the high rates of teenage pregnancies and the huge increase of STIs throughout the UK.
The C Card Scheme does not encourage young people to have sex. It provides information and condoms to those young people already having sex or who are considering having a sexual relationship. It promotes a safe and healthy approach to sexual health.
Question
How can you justify giving out condoms to under 16s, when it is against the law for them to have sex?
Answer
Young people are consistently exposed to sexual messages from the media and their peers. These messages are often conflicting and very confusing. Access to accurate information in a safe, confidential and young person friendly setting is vital. Timing is crucial to contraceptive provision. Young people who are already sexually active will be less likely to change their sexual and contraceptive behaviour. Education should start before young people become sexually active.
The scheme is not just about giving out condoms, but allowing young people the opportunity to explore sexual issues, raise questions in a confidential environment and find out information about other sexual health services. Young people under 16 are encouraged to speak to their parents or another adult (if appropriate) and know that it is OK to say no if they do not want to have sex.
It is important to remember that most young people under the age of 16 are not having sex. In fact it is only about a third that do, but it is vital that we provide safe, confidential and accurate advice and services do those young people that are sexually active.
