C4U Card Scheme Information

The C4U-Card provides free condoms to young people (age 14-19), using this as a vehicle to educate in sexual health, sign-post appropriately and where relevant explore related issues such as negotiating skills, peer pressure, self esteem, alcohol. Provision of C4U card is not limited to health professionals and aims to include statutory and voluntary youth workers, specifically those dealing with the most vulnerable.

Outcomes

• To increase the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of condoms by reducing barriers.
• To produce a service that offers both the means and the information to help people to make informed sexual choices.
• To offer support and empowerment in decisions e.g. sexual health.
• To link young people into mainstream sexual health services.
• To reduce the spread of HIV, other STI's and unintended pregnancy.

How it works?

A young person attends a "C4U Outlet" to obtain a "C4U Card" and initial supply of condoms. This visit also includes a sexual health chat, condom demonstration and any relevant signposting. Thereafter the young person presents the "C4U Card" at designated "C4U Pick up Points"(PUPs) to obtain further supplies of condoms for one year. These "Outlets" and "PUPs" will carry the "C4U" logo in the window and be advertised in school, at young people's venues , in a regional directory and the website www.c4urself.org.uk

Other information

"C4U Cards" will be issued to young people by named youth workers only (determined by line management). The selected youth workers will undergo special training (provided by Department of Sexual Health) to include:

Training is not required for staff of PUPs although a record will be kept of the reference number and number of condoms issued for statistical purposes.

• Relevant Child Protection issues
• Exploring values and principles of sexual health
• Sexual health behaviours
• Contraception
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Under 14's will be referred to C2U "Drop ins" for "C4U Card" provision
• The "C4U Card" will note the date of issue, an ID number, age, postcode and number of condoms issued will be obtained for statistical purposes. C4U cards will be reviewed/renewed annually.
• Sexual Health and Condom demonstration checklists will be used as guides for the issuing of the card and follow-up.
• Youth workers will also signpost teenagers to the school nurse, C2U "Drop ins" youth clinics and other agencies as appropriate.
• Confidential records will be kept on the issue of information, condoms and other products to service users.
• There will be some flexibility of the condom provision for "emergency use"