In 2002, Newport was successful in securing funding from the Welsh Assembly Government that was used to support our first Condom Distribution Scheme, which was named 'Willy Nilly'.
Initially, the Scheme was aimed at vulnerable/at risk young people (e.g., people at risk of unplanned teenage pregnancy/sexually transmitted infections). Therefore a major part of the Willy Nilly Scheme was the provision of training for local agencies that worked directly with young people who fell into these criteria. This meant that appropriate professionals who had received Willy Nilly training would distribute free condoms and sexual health advice. Training is still on-going, and will continue, as many agencies are increasing in size, and new organisations are seeking to become condom distribution points.
The Scheme is managed and co-ordinated by Newport Local Public Health Team, and funded by Newport Local Health Board.
There are around 50 organisations involved in Willy Nilly. Increasing numbers of young people are becoming aware of the Scheme.
The Info Shop (133 Commercial Street Newport) is at present one of Willy Nilly's most popular and accessible distribution points. Here you can find out from youth workers where else to access free condoms via Willy Nilly in your area of Newport, also you can ask your local Youth Workers, School Health Nurses or Carol Hadfield, Sexual Health Outreach Worker about the Scheme. Information about the Sexual Health Outreach Worker can be found here. Help and advice is also available from your local young people's clinic, family planning clinic, sexual health clinic or G.P practice. Details of these can be found in the sexual health services section of this website, or in the 'Clued Up' Newport booklet, you can download the online version here, which lists local sexual health clinics/services and signposts to various help-lines and organisations. The Clued Up booklet is available from the Information Shop, the Youth Service, School Health Nurses, Newport's Sexual Health Outreach Worker, GU Med Clinic (Royal Gwent Hospital site), and the Young People's Clinic (26 Clytha Park Road 01633 435975, open Wednesdays 4.30 - 6.30 pm).
There's no need to worry about asking for condoms. Willy Nilly is a service just for you!
Below is a list of the scheme's objectives;
- To increase the availability of free condoms and information relating to sexual health
- To decrease the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, also unplanned pregnancy rates
- To eliminate barriers such as financial cost and embarrassment when accessing condoms
- To assist Newport's youth to make informed choices regarding their sexual health
- To provide training for youth workers and other key workers to give basic sexual health advice and or refer those who require further support to local community sexual health services
When you go to get your condoms, if you're under 16 you'll be given some information, and asked (confidentially) a few simple questions to ensure you understand what you've discussed. This is just to ensure that you feel you're making the right decision for you, you're not being forced to do something against your will, and that you're aware of the implications associated with your decision to be sexually active.
Even if you are under 16, you still have the same right to confidentiality as an adult, although you should be aware that there are many advantages to discussing your feelings with a parent/carer or a close family member. See our section on confidentiality
When approaching services for sexual health advice, condoms etc., the people who will speak with you are especially trained to work with young people, and are not there to judge you, or to make you feel embarrassed or threatened.
Willy Nilly is a service designed especially for you. Please feel free to fill in the questionnaire if you're collecting your condoms from the Info Shop to tell us what you think!
Don't forget, condoms and confidential sexual health advice are also free from the family planning/sexual health clinics and the young people's clinic as listed in the 'Clued Up' booklet.
