South West pilot launches for those waiting for gender identity healthcare
'Waiting Well' seeks to enhance the experience of waiting for gender identity clinic appointments
A new support service has been launched in the South West of England to aid trans and non-binary individuals facing long waits for gender identity healthcare on the NHS.
With 42,000 people waiting across England and Wales for their first appointment at NHS Gender Identity Clinics, Waiting Well strives to provide emotional and practical support during the lengthy wait period - which averages around five years.
The initiative comes after findings revealed 71% of individuals have reported their health deteriorating while on waiting lists - with Waiting Well offering peer support, practical workshops, and informative resources to help manage the reality of extended waiting periods.
The programme, backed by LGBT Foundation and Gendered Intelligence, aims not only to serve immediate needs but also to set up a comprehensive model for national roll-out.
'It's about making the wait safer, more supportive and more human'
Lennon Coope is involved in the project across the region, and has been describing Waiting Well as a vital service.
They said: "It's all about making the wait for gender identity healthcare safer, more supportive and more human through offering peer support group sessions and trusted resources, with the ultimate intention being to help feel more connected and not isolated.
"Crucially, it's shaped by and with trans and non-binary people themselves, alongside care professionals.
"Right now, around 42,000 trans and non-binary people are on the waiting list, and those waiting times are on average of five years.
"Essentially, healthcare itself is the end goal, but Waiting Well is equally important, and many people tell us their health is getting worse whilst they wait.
"So this is about embedding supportive framework into that waiting process, so they are not waiting alone.
"The mental health impact of this is so wide-ranging, and the isolation we see in people can also mean things like depression and anxiety are more likely to be experiences, both in trans and non-binary people in general, but also for those on the wait list.
"Their connection to community can be few and far between, and we see a lot of people withdraw from services in general because they don't feel their outward appearance matches who they really are."
The hope is the pilot scheme, which involves Devon's The Laurels GIC, will help influence a national rollout.
The ambition of the programme - which has been funded by the Department of Health and Social Care - is to evidence the level of need for the service, with the South West chosen because of the length of the waiting list locally.
Lennon added: "We're incredibly excited to be a part of this pilot.
"We're already seeing feedback from people accessing the service that, even just through the short period they've been involved with us, that their wellbeing has been improved - and so has their connectedness to others.
"We only hope we'll see more and more giving us that feedback, to make them feel the waiting process is more accessible, supported, and connected."
'We're proud to bring this pilot to life'
The service's offerings include group support and sessions such as gender-affirming voice workshops, all designed to uphold dignity, respect, and compassion for those awaiting vital healthcare.
Developed for and by trans and non-binary people, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, Waiting Well promises a compassionate approach to waiting list care.
Alex Matheson, Director of Inclusion at LGBT Foundation, emphasised the importance of trans-led initiatives in shaping more effective and compassionate waiting list experiences: "We’re proud to be bringing this pilot to life at a moment when long waiting times have become a reality for so many trans and non‑binary people.
"While pressures on a free national health service are real, waiting for care should never undermine dignity or wellbeing.
"Too often, conversations about trans lives happen without trans people themselves. That’s why working with Gendered Intelligence is so important – ensuring this service is shaped by lived experience and setting out a more compassionate model for waiting list care.”
Matty Herring from Gendered Intelligence added: "We are really excited to be launching Waiting Well in the South West, which will demystify the gender clinic process and support people to build community and solidarity.
"We know that not only do people in the South West have the longest wait for their first appointment, but that many people are also really isolated and without connection to the trans community.
"A service that is run by trans and non-binary people is vital for helping people know they are not alone."
The pilot is currently available to individuals aged 18 and over residing in South West England, and registered with the Exeter or The Laurels Gender Identity Clinic.
Those who are interested can self-refer online at www.lgbt.foundation/waiting-well or contact Waiting Well's dedicated phone line at 0330 355 9678.
Waiting Well will be at Plymouth Pride on July 11th, and Gendered Intelligence will be at Trans Pride Brighton on July 18th.