Important Service Update – Young People’s Gender Service

Over recent years we have seen an increase in the number of young people contacting us seeking support, advice, and treatment from gender services and unfortunately we are experiencing longer waiting times than we would like for our Young People’s Gender Service.

We know that waiting isn’t easy, and we apologise for any frustration or anxiety that this might be causing as a result. We’re doing all that we can at this end to make our way through the list as quickly as possible.

If you’ve registered for this service and have recently responded to our message confirming your contact details, thank you. Now that you have confirmed that you would like to remain on our list, we’ll reach out to you with a time to speak on the phone with a member of the gender team. This call is to discuss any support needs that you may have and ensure that they are being met while you wait for your first Young People’s Gender Service appointment.

Support needs will vary for everyone on the list and services can range from counselling, to contact with relevant community, activity, social, and other support groups, or safe spaces that you would benefit from while you wait for your appointment. In some circumstances, you may also require a referral to other clinical services.

These discussions and the outcome of the support provided will have no impact on your position on the list. We simply want to ensure that you have an appropriate level of care while we work hard to get to your appointment.

Please read some FAQs below that should hopefully answer any questions you may have.

Why is Sandyford reaching out to me?

We understand that you have been waiting on our list for longer than expected and we’re sorry about any frustration and anxiety that this may be causing. While you continue to wait, we want to assess your support needs and ensure that they are being met.

What does Sandyford mean by support needs?

Will this phone call impact my place on the Young People’s Gender Services waitlist?

Please be assured that this call won’t impact your spot in any way and that the order of people waiting to be seen will remain the same. We want to find out whether you require support from other services while you are waiting. The outcome of this will not affect your place on the waiting list for an appointment at the Young Person’s Gender Identity Service.

Could the gender services team member that I speak to advise that I should be removed from the list?

We understand that there could be anxiety around speaking with someone and that you might be worried that it will impact your position on the list. This appointment will not impact your position and the team member will only be advising the support that you require.

Will the phone conversation go on my health record?

Yes, the outcome of this call will go on your gender record and any onward referral to a clinical service. However, please note that this is not your first appointment for the Young People’s Gender Identity Service. This phone call is to ensure that you’re appropriately supported while you wait for that appointment.

Can I have someone attend the call with me?

You may choose to have someone join you while you’re on the call. It is completely your choice.

How long will the call last?

The call will last approximately 30-45 minutes.

What will happen on the call?

One of our gender team members will take you through a series of questions about you and what support you may require. We recommend finding a relaxed quiet space where you can answer questions honestly and freely.

When will you contact me?

Please don’t panic if you haven’t heard from us with a date and time for this call. This process will roll-out over the next 12 months. You’ll receive a letter in the post close to the date that this will happen.