Where to get condoms

Condoms are available FREE to anyone - male or female - but availability can vary in different areas. These organisations may supply free condoms:

• Community Contraception Clinics (Family planning clinics).
• Brook (Brook Advisory Centres) - for under 25s only.
• NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics.
• Gay pubs and clubs.

You can also buy condoms, even if you are under 16, from:

• Pharmacists and drug stores.
• Supermarkets.
• Petrol stations.
• Record shops.
• Vending machines in men's and women's toilets.
• Mail-order catalogues.
• Online (If you buy condoms on-line make sure you get them from a pharmacist or other legitimate dealer rather than from people selling them on e-bay. Always choose condoms that carry the European CE mark).

Most shops are self-service, so you don't even have to ask for them. And if you do, don't think anyone will be surprised - most staff sell them all the time.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.