Postcards from the Take Care HIV awareness campaign

The Take Care campaign in Lothian began in the late 1980s in response to the realisation that cases of HIV and AIDS in the area were four times the national average, affecting mainly young heterosexual people. The campaign aimed to raise awareness among all community members and involved advertising, events, and educational initiatives.

The postcards below display some of the images that were used in the campaign to portray the message of safe sex and 'taking care of the one you love'. The Take Care collection came to LHSA in 2000. It consists of administrative files, information packs, reports and research, advertising materials, postcards and posters, audiovisual items, and objects.

In 2015, resources for teachers in secondary schools and youth groups were introduced largely based on this collection. The resources focused on the Curriculum for Excellence framework. Each resource highlights specific items within the HIV/AIDS collection at LHSA. A fact sheet provides background information on the resources presented, along with suggested activities.

Take care of the one you love. Condoms can prevent.... (GD22/14/4/2/28).

Take Care of the One You Love, 1990s (GD22/14/4/3/1).

Do you come here often?, 1990s (GD22/14/4/1/2).

Lovely latex, 1990s (GD22/14/4/3/3).

If he’s half as big as he thinks he is….10.5 x 14.5 cm (GD22/14/4/5/14).

If they’re half as fashionable as they think they are…. 10.5 x 14.5 cm, 1990s (GD22/14/4/5/15).

You are the sunshine of my life, 1990s (GD22/14/4/3/8). 

Take Care when you xxxx, 1990s (GD22/14/4/3/11).