The young person gender service offers specialist support for anyone under 18 living in Scotland experiencing gender dysphoria. We help you explore your feelings and talk you through options that feel right for you.
Non-urgent advice: Update on Young Person Gender Waiting List Validation
If you think that you have been missed or not offered a clinical validation appointment, then please can you contact us preferably by email ggc.youngperson.genderservice@nhs.scot and we can check our records. If you are unable to email us, then please can you contact us on 0141 211 8130.
Please note that anyone wanting to be referred to our service now will require a GP referral.
Please note our phone lines are very busy so you may have to wait before being connected. We would ask that you get in contact with us by 31st January 2026.
On this page you’ll find information on:
What to expect at your appointment
Non-urgent advice: Waiting list information
November 2019
Last updated November 2025
If you no longer want to access the service, please let us know so we can update our records.
We cannot provide individual updates on your position on the waiting list. Please keep a note of your referral date and continue to check the above information. We update this monthly.
What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is when you feel your gender doesn’t match the sex you were assigned at birth. This can feel uncomfortable or upsetting and can have an affect on emotions, relationships, and wellbeing. People may choose to explore ways to feel more comfortable in their gender – such as changing their name, appearance, or accessing specialist gender support – but every journey is personal. Find out more information on gender identity on Young Scot.
Our service
The young people gender service is for anyone under 18 living in any part of Scotland who wants support for gender dysphoria. We aim to provide safe, high-quality and person-centred gender identity services which understand, respect and uphold your rights.
What to expect
While you wait for your first appointment
We understand that waiting for treatment can be difficult for many patients. You’re not alone – there are support services that can help.
To make sure your place on the list is secure, it’s important that you respond to all correspondence from us, and make us aware if any of your details change as soon as you can.
Coming to your first appointment
We’ll contact you when it’s time for your first appointment. You can bring someone with you if you like, so long as they are 16 or older. If you’re under 16, you’ll need to bring a parent or guardian with you.
Location
The service is based at 93 Candleriggs, Merchant City, in a bright, modern space on the top floor. There is lift access. Sandyford signage on the front and throughout the building will guide you to the right place. For full directions and details, visit our Locations page.
Arriving
When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff at the reception desk.
Waiting area and facilities
You’ll be asked to sit in a quiet waiting area where gender-neutral toilets and water fountains are available.
Your appointment space
A staff member will come to collect you for your appointment. All of our rooms are private to ensure confidentiality.
Attending with children policy
If possible, please avoid bringing children to your appointment unless someone can stay with them in the waiting area. Consultations may involve sensitive questions about your sexual history and could include procedures in a medical setting that are not safe for unsupervised children. If we’re unable to carry out your appointment safely, we won’t be able to proceed. Thank you for your understanding.
Trainee members of staff
As a training centre, we may ask you if a trainee can sit in on your appointment. You will always be given the chance to say no to this request.
During your first appointment
What happens during your appointment
At your first appointment, we’ll talk about your experiences so far and whether this service is still the right fit for you. If you are under 16 and have a guardian with you, you’ll be given the chance to talk privately with us first. We’ll discuss how we can support you, and might refer you to other services we think you would benefit from.
Who you’ll meet
We have lots of different staff members, from reception to doctors and psychologists, but all are trained and experienced in gender healthcare and are here to make you feel supported and comfortable.
Your appointment space
A staff member will come to collect you for your appointment. All of our rooms are private to ensure confidentiality.At your first appointment, we’ll talk about your experiences so far and whether this service is still the right fit for you. We might refer you to other services we think you would benefit from.
Trainee members of staff
As a training centre, we may ask you if a trainee can sit in on your appointment. You will always be given the chance to say no to this request.
Ongoing care
Most people we see tend to be offered multiple appointments. We will look at further management options (coping methods) and we may complete an assessment for a diagnosis of Gender Incongruence, if appropriate.
Contact us
General enquiries
Due to service constraints we can only answer queries from patients already on our waiting lists or in active treatment with us. Please be aware that:
- It may take up to 2 months to receive a response from the service.
- We cannot share an individual’s specific position in the waiting list – please refer to the waiting list information above.
We understand that waiting for care can be difficult, and we want to thank you for your patience. Our teams are working hard to improve access and ensure everyone receives the support they need as soon as possible.
Need to update your details?
If you change your name, address, email or GP, please let us know as soon as possible so that your place on the waiting list can be secured.
This can be done by email: ggc.youngpeoplegender.sandyford@nhs.scot
Alternatively, if you can’t contact us via email please call:
0141 211 8693
Or write to:
Gender Service, 4th Floor, 93 Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NP
Further support
We understand this can be a complex and emotional time for young people and those close to them. The resources below may be able to provide further support.