What is it?

(If you already know & want to find issue points click here)

The Somerset C-Card is a totally free service offering condoms and sexual health information and is available to all young people aged from 13 - 19 and in some cases up to 25 in Somerset.

Why would I want to join the C-Card?

The UK has one of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections and teenage pregnancies in Western Europe

A condom is the only form of contraception that can help protect you against Sti's and it can also help prevent unplanned pregnancy. Whatever your sexuality you need to help protect yourself against these infections by using condoms.

How do I get a C-Card?

To join the C-Card all you have to do is visit an Issue Point and have a chat with a C-Card issuer. Sometimes there are special events, like Freshers Fairs, where people can join the C-Card. They will tell you how the C-Card works and if you would like to join they will sign you up.

You will then be shown the different types of condoms you can get with the C-Card.
How to use a condom correctly
Learn about sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy and how to avoid them.
Know what to do and where to go if your condom splits or you didn't use one
Where else you can go to get free condoms and about other sexual health services
The chance to ask the C-Card issuer any questions you may have around sex and relationships.

What do I need to tell the C-Card Issuer?

All you will be asked for is your date of birth, ethnicity and your postcode. This information is confidential but it can be seen by other C-Card Issuers so if you don't want to give your ethnicity or postcode you don't have to.

What happens then?

You will then be given your C-Card key fob, some condoms and other useful information.

The C-Card can be used at any C-Card Issue Points for up to ten times. After the tenth time or after one year your card will expire and you will need have a quick chat with a C-Card issuer to make sure everything is going ok. The C-Card issuer will then reactivate your card and you can be issued with condoms again.

You can of course ask for help or information before the tenth time if you want to, but there is no pressure to do so.

How do I find out where the C-Card Issue Points are?

Click here to find where all of the C-Card Issue Points are in Somerset or look on Sex Worth Talking Aboout site

This is all a bit embarrassing

By joining the C-Card you can be sure that you are getting help and support from people who are experienced in talking about sex, relationships and condoms - they won't be embarrassed so you don't need to be either!