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Gender identity and sexuality

 

Please see below list of resources for support for children and young people who are transgender, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity, their parents, carers, families and professionals.  

 

North East Hampshire & Farnham and Surrey Heath Support

  • Breakout Youth (LGBTQ+ Support Hampshire & Isle of Wight - Run by No Limits)

Offers a confidential support service for young people aged 11 to 25, who are transgender, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity. 

Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ or are unsure often feel isolated and alone with their sexuality or gender identity. At Breakout Youth, you will find a group of likeminded young people that you can socialise with safely. You’ll also find help with those feelings of isolation or confusion. We run confidential youth groups based in Southampton, Romsey, Basingstoke, Andover, the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. 

You can call them on 023 8022 4224. This service is run by No Limits (select option 4 to speak to someone about Breakout Youth).

Outline Listening Service is an anonymous service which supports parents, family members and schools on how to support children and young people, and how to manage their own feelings around sexuality and gender identity. For children and young people who disclose that they are under 18, Outline Listening will signpost on to Eikon and Twister. 

These groups are safe spaces for questions, support, discussions, activities, and making new friends. The groups are completely free and open to all young people aged 11-18 (or up to 24 for young people with SEND) across Surrey who identify as LGBTQ+ or are questioning. 

The groups currently meet in West Byfleet and Guildford every Wednesday evening from 6-8 PM. The sessions alternate between the 11-14 age group at West Byfleet and the 15-17 age group at Guildford. Additionally, Eikon are in the process of developing an online group for individuals aged 18-24 with SEND. 

If you are interested in joining the youth groups, please register your interest or email EikonLGBT@Eikon.org.uk for more details. Due to the confidential nature of the groups, the LGBTQ+ Youth Worker will need to first meet a young person who is interested in joining a youth group. 

Youth Workers from Surrey County Council run Twister, which is a safe space where young people can meet to get support, make friends, and take part in fun, creative and awareness raising activities. It is for young people aged 11 to 19 (up to 25 if the young adult has special educational needs or disabilities) . 

Twister is just like any other youth group. The young people choose how they spend their time there, with the main activities including art, crafts, music and cooking. At the start of the session some young people may choose to change into clothes that reflect their gender identity. The friendly feel of the group allows discussions to open up about issues they might be experiencing or worried about, such as bullying, coming out, relationships, civil rights, equality and being a gay and/or transgender person in public. 

Joining Twister for the first time 

Feeling safe and respected at Twister is important. For this reason, the venues where the groups take place are kept confidential. Before joining Twister, a youth worker will need to meet a young person to make sure the group is right for them. This first meeting can take place in a public place such as a coffee shop, library, youth centre, school or college. 

Is parental consent needed to join Twister? 

Attending Twister is confidential. The young person doesn't need to tell their parents or friends why they attend the group. Some young people may prefer to travel to a Twister group outside of their local area, if they have not told friends and family about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Any concerns about privacy can be discussed with the youth worker at Twister. 

There are 4 Twister groups in Surrey. To find out more about Twister please contact the relevant person from the list below:

Area Contact person(s) Contact details
Guildford Rhiannon Jennings rhiannon.jennings1@surreycc.gov.uk / 07890 427611
Epsom Jamielee Bowman jamielee.bowman@surreycc.gov.uk
Redhill Luke D'Isabella luke.disabella@surreycc.gov.uk
Woking Molly Klemova-White or Sandie Bolger molly.white@surreycc.gov.uk / 07854 511336

For more general enquiries please contact molly.white@surreycc.gov.uk

 

East Berkshire Support

A safe and supportive environment in Slough where LGBTQ+ young people can make friends, share ideas and have fun. They run a support group every other Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 pm (location not publicly disclosed to protect and safeguard confidentiality of members) and is open to young people aged 14-18.

If you have any questions or would like to chat before signing up, please give a call or text on 07903425814 or email pat@brighterfuturestogether.org.uk

Currently run in person support groups in Bracknell called Pride Circle (a group for LGBTQ+ families, no age restrictions) 

 

National Sites

  • Stonewall The largest LGBTQ+ rights charity in the UK. Telephone: 0207 593 1850  
  • FFLAG A national voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to supporting parents and their LGBTQ+ children.  Telephone: 0845 652 0311 
  • Gendered Intelligence A community interest company working with the transgender community and those who impact on transgender lives, specialising in supporting young transgender people aged 8-25.  
  •  Action for Children A UK children’s charity committed to helping vulnerable children and young people throughout the UK. 

  • LGBTQI+ mental health | Anna Freud Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex young people.

  • Gender identity | NSPCC Advice to help you understand what gender identity is and how to support a child.

  • TransActual TransActual are working towards a world where trans people can live safely, in dignity and with access to the healthcare that we need.

  • MindEd Hub   MindEd Supporting Children and Young People With Gender-related Questions Or Distress And Their Sexual Orientation for Parents and Carers e learning 

For Health and Education Professionals 
  • MindEd Hub MindEd has elearning applicable across the health, social care, education, criminal justice and community settings. It is aimed at anyone from beginner through to specialist.