Allsorts Youth Project has received some funding from NHS Sussex to run a pilot project supporting Sussex-based young people and parents/carers of young people who are;

• Trans
• Aged 11-17 (Year 7+)
• Connected to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock (either on the waiting list or currently being supported by the service)

Allsorts say “We are aware of the long waiting lists at GIDS and the impact this is having on children, young people and their families so this pilot project aims to provide support for this group. The project will run from September 2022 to March 2023 with the hope of gaining continuation funding.”

The Allsorts GIDS Pilot Project will aim to:

• Provide access to fun and interesting opportunities and activities
• Increase resilience, confidence and self-esteem
• Develop positive family relationships
• Build a wider community and support network
• Develop life skills

For Young People

• Youth Groups
  Specialist youth groups specifically for children and young people on the waiting list at GIDS or already part of the service
• One-to-One Support
  One-to-one support for children and young people which offer tailored support plans
• Four-Week Programme
  Tailored four-week programme for children, young people and their parents/carers (sign-ups will be needed as there are limited spaces available)

“It feels important to have a space specifically for young people involved in a medical pathway because you don’t have to explain anything about how you feel” – Allsorts Young Person, aged 17

For Families

• Four-Week Programme
  Tailored four-week programme for children, young people and their parents/carers (sign ups will be needed as there are limited spaces available)
• One-to-One Support
  One-to-one support for parents/carers
• Parents/Carers Group
  Parents/carers group specifically for those with children and young people on the waiting list at GIDS or already part of the service

“Since coming out as trans my son has dropped out of school and disconnected with his friends and all activities but we have struggled to find any services that can support him.” – Allsorts Parent of a 14-year-old

About the Four-Week Programme

This programme is designed to support trans young people and their parents/carers to build stronger relationships by participating in activities and workshops which will build confidence, resilience and communication skills. The tailored programme will be interactive, fun and provide you with a safe space to connect.

There is space for ten families on the programme. Allsorts will let you know several weeks before the programme starts if you have got a place.

Key information:

• The programme is free
• There will be four Saturday sessions over the course of two months
• Refreshments will be provided throughout the programme
• You and your child will need to commit to all four sessions to get the most out of the programme
• The programme will run in Brighton however is likely to include one session outside of Brighton which will be a family activity
• If you have any concerns about travel costs, let Allsorts know
• The sessions will be facilitated by experienced workers
• Some of the workshops and activities throughout the programme will be specific to parents/carer or children/young people so will be facilitated at the same time but in separate groups
• If you are a two parent/carer family, Allsorts encourages both of you to attend if possible

If you would like to register your interest for the four-week programme, sign up here.

If your child is not already connected with Allsorts Youth Project, they will first need to fill in the children & young people’s referral form.

If you as a parent/carer are not already connected to Allsorts Youth Project, register here.