No Condoms given to over 18's

[Over-18]

I just called the Sexual health helpline for BHR (Barking, Havering, Redbridge) and their saying they don't give free condoms to anyone over 18 anymore at any of their centres!! Is this new after some budget cuts post COVID times or something? What do people do who are above 18 and can't pay the extortionate price of condoms in the supermarket even? My GP doesn't provide them either. Are there any other options for people like me?

[xsevenx]

Never heard of this policy before. Seems like a backward step in terms of promoting safe sexual health.

[BodyPositive in reply to xsevenx]

Sexual health services are commissioned by the local authority, so if the council decides to withdraw funding for a service then it can no longer be provided.

[mascotty02]

Hi Over-18,

Not saying that you are, but if you go into any of the pubs and bars in a gay village they usually have free condoms on the counters, help yourself, these are free, also if you have a look on google search 'free condoms' there's a few addresses that will send them to you again free of charge, am surprised at the sexual health clinic not giving these away anymore as they get them free direct from the manufacturer's. hope this helps

[Galen70]

As someone working in sexual and reproductive health I do find this quite a worrying statement and it is news to me . Agree with body positive this is a funding decision by the local authority and if true , you should be writing to them or your local MP !

[Husband61]

when I was using condoms I bought them mail order, buying in bulk (eg 200 at a time) was a lot lot cheaper than at a supermarket

[SHDL]

book yourself a screening appointment in which you will be issued