The Kent and Medway C Card app has been designed to give teenagers aged 19 and under the information they need on how and where to get free condoms using their C Card – a successful community-based contraception scheme set up in 2007.
The app uses active maps to direct teenagers to the nearest outlet offering free condoms to anyone registered with the scheme. It also offers advice on how to register for the card, where to get contraception in an emergency, and information about getting treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
Anyone who wants to register with the scheme must attend an appointment with a trained advisor. The condoms are given out by sexual health clinics, pharmacies, youth schemes and some school nurses. The card can be used 20 times before an appointment is needed re-register for a new card.
When youngsters register for the card they will be told about the app and given a ‘quick response’ code that they can scan immediately to download the app free of charge. It can also be downloaded by searching for ‘Kent C Card’ in the app store.
Alison Barnett, Director of Public Health for Medway said; “The C Card scheme has been very successful, with more than 5,700 teenagers registering for the card since 2007 and around 1,500 hits to our website every month. It is a major part of the drive to improve sexual health and reduce unplanned teenage pregnancy in Medway.
“We recognise the need to be able to give teenagers the information that they require on the move as well. This app not only gives people information about the C Card, it can also point them immediately in the direction of the nearest outlet to get free condoms, or advice about their sexual health.”
The app has been developed by Tinderhouse, located at the University of Kent Innovation Centre. Nick Tatt, Managing Director at Tinderhouse said: “This app is a great example of how mobile technology can be used to give access to information when and where it’s needed. Apps like the Kent C Card demonstrate how mobile phones provide direct access to relevant information, in this case, the nearest C Card pick up point in Kent.”
The app is available on iPhone, Blackberry and Android. People who are not registered for the card can still download the app but will not be able to get condoms for free.
You can get more information about the C Card scheme and the app from: www.medwaysexualhealth.co.uk/
28 June 2012
