70,000 condoms later: how moving from c-card to open access removed barriers

In April 2025, we launched the Yuno Condom Distribution Scheme across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) as part of the Yuno service. Emma Thomson and Kelvin Leighton-Julian, Brook’s Service Manager for this region, reflects on the significant impact the scheme has had in only one year.

Access to free condoms is a vital part of improving sexual health and preventing health inequalities. But for many young people, traditional systems can create barriers that make access feel difficult, embarrassing, or even impossible.

Prior to 2025, condom distribution across BNSSG was delivered through three separate C-Card schemes across the three different areas. C-Card schemes require individuals to register for a card which they must bring each they access free condoms. While these schemes were developed with good intentions, it was clear that some of the requirements were creating barriers for the very people they aimed to support.

That’s why the launch of the Yuno Condom Distribution Scheme (CDS) in April 2025 marked an important step forward for sexual health services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG). One year on, the scheme has already demonstrated how a simpler, more accessible approach can make a real difference.

Responding to What Young People Need

Effective public health services must listen to the people they’re designed to support. As Yuno began delivering sexual health services across BNSSG, there was an opportunity to review existing condom provision and explore how access could be improved.

Brook’s 2024 EASY (Education, Access, Stigma and Young People) report highlighted several challenges facing young people when it comes to accessing condoms:

• One in three respondents said they never used condoms during penetrative sex.
• 58% felt too embarrassed to speak to someone about getting free condoms.
• Less than half (49%) knew where they could obtain them.

The findings also revealed a strong demand for more stigma-free ways of accessing condoms.

Recognising this, Yuno set out to create a simpler, more accessible model that would better reflect the needs and preferences of local communities.

A New Approach to Condom Distribution

The Yuno Condom Distribution Scheme was designed around three key principles: accessibility, dignity and flexibility.

Available to young people aged 13 to 24 and at-risk adults, the scheme provides free condoms through a growing network of distribution points, including schools and colleges, youth services, community organisations, local authority services and other statutory partners.

Crucially, the new model removes many of the barriers associated with previous schemes:

• No registration required
• No physical card needed
• No ongoing data reporting burden for staff

This not only makes access easier for young people, but also allows professionals to focus on what matters most: providing appropriate safeguarding support, sexual health education and tailored conversations based on individual needs.

By removing unnecessary administrative hurdles, the scheme creates a more welcoming and youth-friendly experience while maintaining safe and effective practice.

Delivering Impact in Year One

The first year of the Yuno Condom Distribution Scheme has delivered strong results, demonstrating both significant demand and the effectiveness of the new model.

Between April 2025 and March 2026:

• 71,629 condoms were distributed across the network
• 11,967 lubricant packets were supplied to outlets and Yuno outreach teams
• 74 outlets became fully trained and operational across BNSSG
• Additional organisations began onboarding, supporting continued network growth
• A streamlined stock management and reporting system was introduced, enabling more effective monitoring and financial forecasting

These figures reflect the reach and scalability of the scheme, helping ensure that free condoms are readily available in locations where people feel comfortable accessing them.

Positive Feedback from Young People and Professionals

The success of the scheme is reflected not only in the numbers, but also in the experiences of those using and delivering it.

Young people have consistently highlighted how much easier the process feels. Many have expressed surprise at how straightforward it is to access condoms, while others have welcomed the removal of stigma and embarrassment that can often be associated with seeking sexual health support.

Professionals across the network have also reported significant benefits. The simplified approach has reduced administrative workload, improved access to stock and created greater flexibility when discussing sexual health and safeguarding with young people.

Together, this feedback demonstrates how removing barriers can lead to more meaningful engagement and better outcomes.

Looking Ahead

In just its first year, the Yuno Condom Distribution Scheme has:

• Removed key barriers to access
• Increased reach across BNSSG
• Created a scalable and sustainable delivery model
• Received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both users and providers

The success of the scheme provides a strong foundation for future growth. As more outlets join the network and awareness continues to increase, Yuno is well placed to build on this momentum and extend its impact even further.

By making condom access simpler, more inclusive and more responsive to local needs, the Yuno Condom Distribution Scheme is helping to improve sexual health outcomes and reduce inequalities across BNSSG, one conversation and one connection at a time.