Support groups
Support groups
Many trans people find it useful to join or attend a support group or reach out to an organisation for help and advice. Below are a few organisations that you may like to be in contact with.
Gendered Intelligence Support Line
Gendered Intelligence runs a support line service to answer any questions that you might have and to provide you with support while you wait for gender affirmative healthcare. The support line is confidential and everyone who answers is trans and/or non-binary themselves.
- Call: 0800 640 8046
- WhatsApp: 07592 650 496 (You can use voice notes if that is easier for you)
- Email: Supportline@genderedintelligence.co.uk
Available Monday and Thursday 12pm to 5pm and Tuesday 2pm to 7pm, and Wednesday and Friday 10am to 3pm.
Gendered Intelligence are starting a new support group to help you while you wait. It'll be on the last Wednesday of every month. In the group you'll share advice, support each other, and hold space to talk and listen. Each month they'll be a different focus too, bringing in external facilitators and speakers - who either have expertise in specific areas or specific lived experience. Find out more here.
Waiting List Warriors
Waiting List Warriors is a monthly group for those on the Nottingham and East of England Gender Clinic Identity waiting list. The group runs on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6 to 8pm.
We know that it can be very hard waiting to access gender affirming care. Waiting times are incredibly long, and it can be challenging to look after your mental health during this time. That is why GI runs this group: to provide a space for you to share with others who are also waiting and to support one another. To join, ring the GI Support Line.
Notts Trans Hub
Notts Trans Hub is a local charity which offers support groups and social activities. The group also has a separate support group for parents, family members and supporters of trans individuals.
See the Notts Trans Hub website for more details.
The Health Shop
The Health Shop is right next door to the clinic in Nottingham.
The Health Shop is a sexual health and drug harm reduction service that has been operating in Nottingham for over 30 years.
They provide asymptomatic testing for sexually transmitted infections and blood borne viruses services also include condom, dental dam and lube distribution, pregnancy testing, emergency hormonal contraception, Hepatitis B vaccinations, a needle exchange, harm reduction advice for a range of drugs, and access to drug treatment.
They are an inclusive team and work with a sensitive approach. They do not do any invasive testing or examinations, and they allow people to choose which testing feels most comfortable for themselves.
To book a test or speak to a member of the team, call or text Jess on 0797 718 4851, or email: healthshop@nottshc.nhs.uk.
Genderphoria
Genderphoria is a local support and social group aimed at those aged 13-18.