Improving support for trans youth conference

We’re hosting a one-day conference about improving support for trans youth on Friday 2 February 2018. It will bring together health practitioners, youth workers, academics, third sector groups and other service providers to focus on the question of how to work together to better support trans young people.

The number of children and adolescents presenting as transgender or gender non-conforming has increased significantly over recent years. This increase has raised concerns about timely access to healthcare and also the appropriateness of specialist health services being the first or most effective source of psychological support.

Other agencies, such as community organisations, youth groups and schools play a vital role in providing support and resources to young people and their families, and are increasingly a first point of contact for those questioning their identity.

The conference will bring together health practitioners, youth workers, academics, third sector groups and other such service providers to focus on the question of how to work together to better support trans* young people.

Speakers include:

• Ryan Gingell, Allsorts Brighton

• Hannah Greenslade & Ellie Sinclair, Gender Space, Barnardo’s, Leeds 

• Andy Hunt, Intercom Trust, Exeter

• Jo Pearce, Gender Dysphoria Therapeutic Group, Solent CAMHS

• Jay Stewart, Gendered Intelligence, London

• Lisa Vine, Young Transgender Centre of Excellence, Leicester

There will also be ample opportunity for discussion, questioning, networking and learning.

The event is a collaboration between our Gender Identity Development Service, the Transforming Sexuality and Gender Research cluster, University of Brighton, and the University of Roehampton.

Dr. Bernadette Wren, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for the Gender Identity Development Service, said:

“Increasingly, third sector organisations and charities, as well as Child and Adolescent and Mental Health Services and schools, are the first port of call for many gender questioning young people. Across the country, such organisations are providing regular groups and one-to-one meetings that offer emotional support, fun, mentoring and learning, as well as other kinds of vital help and information. 

“While referral onwards to a specialised service like our Gender Identity Development Service is one potential pathway, we can work together, and learn from each other, more effectively so as offer better-tailored support to gender diverse young people.”

*We use the term ‘trans’ as a collective term for a range of gender non-conforming experiences including non-binary trans, gender fluid, and gender questioning.