FREE sexual health products in the Guild – Yes you read that right. Completely free of charge condoms, lube, pregnancy tests and dental dams will be available in the Guild Shop and Reception.
My idea to campaign for free sexual health products came from when I was running to be in the next Student Officer team. Whilst none of us should feel embarrassed or ashamed in getting contraception or pregnancy tests I know first-hand how awkward it can feel picking up the free products from a sexual health clinic and the alternative of popping to the shops for sexual health products is expensive and not student budget friendly. With this in mind I spotted an opportunity to offer free sexual health products for students right here in on campus cutting out the trip to a clinic or a pricey shopping trip!
So, I was left wondering how do I change this? Luckily being a Student Officer gave me a good footing to start with. Firstly, we worked with Sexual Health charities and our Advice team to launch our sexual health stalls giving away free sexual health products; filling the stalls with condoms, lube, dental dams and pregnancy tests plus lots of sweets and chocolate! There was a high demand for these events, particularly in the current economical climate, and due to their success we wanted to continue this with a permanent supply in our building.
Through working with local charities and organisations such as Axess Merseyside, we were able to build valuable connections which enabled us to source good quality products that we could continue to provide for students. After running several stalls and calculating the demand and uptake we established that providing free products within the Guild is a necessity.
I am now happy to announce that dental dams, condoms, lube and pregnancy tests are available in both the Guild Reception and the Guild Shop.
You have two options to choose from:
-
our prefilled bags with everything you need
or
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The pick and mix option to just take what you need.
Both spaces are judgement free, you can take what you need whenever suits you; they are here to support you. We hope that this scheme will continue to support sexual health on campus and ensure you are not priced out, or too embarrassed, to access sexual health products.