Free Condom Distribution Scheme
This overview covers condom distribution schemes provided by Gateshead Sexual Health. Condom distribution schemes aim to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) providing equitable inclusive access to condoms including LARC and access to emergency contraception and STI screening in community settings. In addition, condom schemes provide a good introduction to broader sexual and reproductive health services, especially for younger people not engaging with main stream services to help prevent unplanned pregnancies and risk of sexually transmitted infections.
There are three components to the Gateshead Sexual Health Condom Distribution Scheme
1: Multicomponent schemes for young people in health, education, youth and outreach settings: Includes under 16’s
Delivered from clinic and spoke locations such as Trinity, Blaydon and also through outreach nurse in community settings. Services who support under 16s can refer directly to the Sexual Health Outreach Nurse to support young people not accessing mainstream health services. This includes under 16’s, when sexual health needs are identified. Multicomponent condom schemes offer contraception including Condoms, LARC, Emergency Contraception and STI screening including bloods. Multicomponent schemes provide direct introduction and pathway into Gateshead Sexual Health for young people who choose not to attend main stream sexual health with preference to access to sexual health care in community settings. Are you and young person or service that supports young people. Please call the outreach nurse on 07931 414 994 for more information.
2: Single Component Scheme: Grab & Collect Option: For young people aged 16+
Rapid open access to Free Condoms for young people aged 16 + available from venues such as local businesses, pharmacies, voluntary and community organisations that work with those at most risk, for example universities, pharmacies, primary care and further education settings. Venues provide free condoms for service users aged 16+ in the form of a grab and collect option alongside the Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea screening programme improving access to STI screening and barrier methods of contraception. Please follow the link to view the online interactive application for participating sites: www.gatesheadsexualhealth.co.uk/community-partner-site-locations
For services wishing to join the single component scheme please contact us on 0191 524 3669
3: Digital Online Model Option: For young people aged 16+
The digital condom distribution model provides wider community access to contraceptive methods for populations unable to travel, attend community venues or with preference to order online from home. Digital Condom schemes aim improve access to sexual health care for the general public in remote areas. Online schemes also reduce cost factors associated with travel and support populations with restricted access to community and clinical venues. The Digital Condom scheme can be accessed by young people aged 16+ if they live in Gateshead. Free condoms can be ordered to a specified address and posted discretely in plain packaging by standard Royal Mail within 3 working days. The online condom model ensures alternative methods of remote contraceptive provision are readily available to improve sexual health outcomes reducing infection risk and preventing unwanted pregnancy. Please follow the link to view the online model: www.stsft.nhs.uk/services/sexual-health-services/request-condom-pack
