The C-Card
The C-Card scheme in Brighton & Hove is a free and confidential sexual health service aimed primarily at young people under the age of 25, providing easy access to free condoms, internal condoms, and lubricant. Operated by Brighton & Hove Sexual Health & Contraception (SHAC), it forms an important part of the city’s efforts to promote safe, responsible sexual behaviour among young people.
How it works
C-Card is now largely app-based, making it more convenient to access. Users over 16 can download the Brighton & Hove C-Card app (iOS or Android), watch brief instructional videos, and take a short quiz. Once completed, the app is activated and the user can use it to collect free condoms and lubricant at designated collection sites. Alternatively, if someone does not have access to a smartphone, there is a traditional paper C-Card option.
Access and collection
Once signed up, users with the app can go to any open-access C-Card collection site. At that site, they scan a QR code poster using the app and show their “collect screen” to staff. They receive a free pack of six condoms plus lubricant. The pack can be collected every seven days. If the paper card is used, there are “hybrid collection sites” which accept it.
C-Card collection sites are widespread: clinics, pharmacies, school nurse drop-ins and other youth-oriented services display the C-Card logo to signal their participation. Some sites are open to anyone with the card/app; others are “closed access” meaning they serve only their registered clients (for example, school health drop-ins).
Additional benefits
Beyond supplying condoms and lubricant, many C-Card sites also offer free self-testing kits for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Most participating pharmacies also provide free emergency contraception (“morning after pill”) for under-25s. The scheme is designed not just to distribute contraception, but also to promote sexual health education, awareness, and accessibility.
Importance and impact
The C-Card scheme helps reduce barriers — cost, embarrassment or lack of access — for young people seeking contraception. By making condoms freely available and embedding the service across familiar places (clinics, pharmacies, schools), it encourages safer sexual practices, helps prevent unintended pregnancies and reduces the transmission of STIs. The app-based system adds confidentiality, flexibility and modern usability.
Testing recommendation
We recommend that sexually active under 25 year olds do a chlamydia test annually or after changing partner, and anyone living in brighton and hove, of any age, can order a free NHS at-home STI test kit from At home HIV, STI (STD) free test kits - Brighton Sexual Health