Free uni student condom giveaway 'not a gimmick'

Students at the University of Bristol can collect free STI testing kits

Handing out free condoms to university students, in a bid to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), is not a "gimmick", organisers say.

The University of Bristol Students' Union will also offer tampons, other period products and STI testing kits free of charge, as figures show STIs are most prevalent among 15-24 year olds.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said last year on average 350 young people were diagnosed with an STI every day across the country.

Lucy Pears, the Students' Union Living Officer at the University of Bristol it was not a "gimmicky" move and they "really want to help people".

More than 3,000 condoms were handed out during the University of Bristol's Freshers' Week, which ran from 15-21 September.

She said: "In Freshers Week it's about setting a good precedent to move forward from.

"[We want to show] that this is something that isn't just gimmicky and we're not just giving away free things for the sake of it, but we really want to help people.

"Ultimately [it's about] trying to really start conversations. Sometimes it's difficult to have those conversations so I think when it's normalised, less taboo, it can be easier to break through some of those things."

Third year student Julia said she was in support of contraception being easily accessible on campus

According to the latest statistics, 11,614 people in the South West aged 15-24, were diagnosed with an STI last year.

That is down 21% compared to 2023, but the UKHSA said there was no room for complacency.

Alasdair Wood, from the UKHSA, said: "It's important to recognise that probably was coming off quite a high baseline, so we still have more work to do to try and make sure we've identified everyone.

"That's why events such as this one targeting those age groups are really important."

Julia, a third year student, said she backed having contraception accessible on campus.

"I was just upstairs in the fifth floor and there's a cabinet where you can go and take free supplies.

"I was sat there for maybe 15 minutes and I saw four people walk past and grab them."