Support for children and young people and their families following the Cass Review of gender identity services
We know many families are feeling uncertain about where to turn since the independent Cass Review of gender identity services.
After encouragement from Amaze, NHS Sussex has provided the following information about services and support that are available to support children and young people’s emotional wellbeing while changes are being implemented as a result of the review.
If your child is already on a pathway you should already have been contacted individually about services that are available.
Where to get help
Gender identity specific support for children and young people
- Allsorts Youth Project listens to, connects and supports children and young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+) and their families. Allsorts Youth Project provides support for young people aged 11-17 who are accessing the Gender Incongruence Service for children and young people or on the waiting list.
- Gendered Intelligence 1:1 & group support for trans CYP age 8-25; and phoneline for parents & carers
- Galop helpline for LGBT+ people aged 13+ experiencing violence/abuse/conversion therapy, as well as friends, family or professionals
- Switchboard is a charity that supports and connects lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities.
Gender identity specific support for over 18s
- A Transgender Nob-Binary and Intersex (TNBI) Locally Commissioned Service (LCS) is in place for people aged 17 and over. The LCS aims to improve the experience of TNBI patients in accessing utilising health services; reduce health inequalities through the delivery of structured, supportive, and integrated physical and mental health care; improve access to hormonal therapy where appropriate; offer annual reviews of physical, mental and sexual health; improve access to appropriate national cancer screening programmes; and improve awareness and training of general practice staff. For more information on this, please speak to your GP Practice.
- MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people.
- The Clare Project is run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-variant and gender-questioning people in Sussex. It runs psychosocial support groups, information sessions, workshops and excursions, as well as providing information and training for individuals and organisations on community needs, and connecting people to affirmative peer support, psychotherapy and healthcare.
Feeling low, down or depressed?
- YoungMinds Parent Helpline: 0808 802 5544 (free to call, Monday-Friday, 9.30am-4pm)
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free to call, 24hrs a day, 7 days a week)
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258 (24 days a day, 7 days a week)
- Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service – free, confidential NHS service for adults and children and young people with a postcode beginning BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41.
- e-wellbeing – a digital service for young people in Sussex
- Sussex Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) website – mental health and emotional wellbeing information
- Supporting others – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk) – tools to manage and improve mental health
- YoungMinds– UK’s mental health charity for children and young people
- MindEd For Families – a free mental health learning resource
Seeing a significant change in your child’s behaviour (such as regularly reduced sleeping, eating or socialising, difficulty with attention and concentration)?
- Contact the Sussex Mental Healthline via NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to someone now.
Feeling unable to cope, or in crisis
- If you need immediate support for your child’s or your own mental health and are concerned about their or your safety, please dial 999 and ask the operator for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E department.
Amaze champions inclusion. We are a welcoming and supportive organisation for LGBTIQA+ young people and their families.
