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Mermaids’ Community Groups

If you’re new here, welcome. Mermaids’ Community Groups are safe spaces for trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people and their families to come together, make friends and support each other.

What are Mermaids’ Community Groups?

Mermaids’ Community Groups are safe and supportive spaces for trans young people and their families. The groups are informal, relaxed, and led by volunteers who make sure everyone feels welcome.

When you come along to one of Mermaids’ Community Groups, you can expect to:

  • Meet and form connections with other trans young people, and their parents, carers and siblings
  • Have the chance to talk about what’s on your mind. We’re living in an increasingly hostile political climate towards the trans community, and talking about it can remind us we aren’t alone, and that things will get better.
  • Take part in optional fun activities like crafts and games or just have a friendly cuppa.
  • Enjoy events and day trips with your new-found friends. Previous Community Group trips include bowling, soft play, and more.

Mermaids’ Community Groups meet in person every month in community spaces across England and Wales. We run online groups too for those that who can’t make our in-person sessions.

Who can attend Mermaids’ Community Groups?

Our community groups are for trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people up to the age of 20, and their family members, including parents, carers, siblings, and more. Our groups are attended by a wide range of age groups, and we have groups specifically for children under 12.

Our groups are spaces where likeminded people can come together and connect in a relaxed space.

Where is my nearest Mermaids’ Community Group?

Mermaids run community groups in-person and online, so there’s a group to suit everyone. We currently host in-person groups in the following locations:

  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Cardiff
  • Chester
  • London (including Under 12’s)
  • Manchester (including Under 12’s)
  • Newcastle
  • North Staffordshire
  • Nottingham
  • Reading
  • Yorkshire (alternating between Leeds and York)

Join Mermaids’ community groups

Mermaids’ community groups are open to families and young people who are members of our online forums. You can easily sign up to our forums using the buttons below.

Our forums are safe, secure online chat spaces where trans, non-binary and gender diverse children and young people, and their parents and carers, can communicate with and support each other. Our forums are moderated by our support line staff and volunteers.

Need help with signing up, or want to chat more about our forums, groups and events? Get in touch with our support line.

Join Parents’ Forum Join Young People’s Forum

Mermaids’ Online Community Groups

Can’t make it to one of our local groups, or haven’t got one near to you? We have online meetings for both parents and young people to come together and connect.

Online Groups for Parents

These online groups are open to parents and carers of trans children and young people, who are members of our parents’ forum.

  • Online Parent/Carer weekly group: an online space for parents/carers to meet and chat. Each week, there is a lunchtime and an evening session.
  • Online Parent/Carer book group: a relaxed, educational online space for parents of trans young people to connect and discuss books relating to the trans community.
  • What Now? Programme: This course of hourly sessions over six weeks covers different topics and provides a safe space for parents whose children have recently come out as trans. You can ask questions and chat things through with other parents who are in similar situations.
Join online groups for parents


Online Groups for Young People

These online groups are open to young people who are members of our youth forum. We run a variety of online activities, so there is something for everyone. Here is just a taster of what we offer for trans young people:

  • Youth Drop-In: These informal sessions allow young trans people to meet virtually and are facilitated by friendly staff and volunteers. We play games, chat and generally catch up with each other.
  • Dungeons and Dragons: Many young people on our forum expressed a desire to come together to play Dungeons and Dragons: a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) where players collaboratively tell a story by taking on the roles of fictional adventurers. These sessions allow young trans people to connect and have fun together.
Join online groups for young people

What young people and parents say about Mermaids’ Community Groups

“The group has really helped me feel seen and less alone in my transition; I don’t know where me and my mum would be without it”

“I love the advice surrounding school and my transition that I’ve received, the friends I’ve made, how friendly and helpful the organisers are.”

“Thank you for providing such a vital service for our kids. I see this as a major part of my child’s development and a way that they can accept their identity and feel less alone.”

“I’ve never had any other charity, youth group or support group that’s felt anywhere near as comfortable and helpful as Mermaids”

“My stepson feels so comfortable and has made some amazing friends. Mermaids have given him a calm space to be quietly himself.”

“It’s fun, I can talk freely and listen to others. It’s really helpful for my mental health.”

Mermaids’ Community Events

We love to bring our communities together each year for unforgettable events. Previous activities include:

  • A trip to an outdoor activity centre
  • Marching together at London Trans Pride
  • A visit behind the scenes at Aston Martin

These events are open to members of our parents’ and young people’s forums.

Two people in wheelchairs pose in front of a racecar with Mermaids patron, Charlie Martin.

Volunteer at Mermaids’ Community Groups

All volunteer recruitment is currently paused whilst we focus our efforts on our support services. We will re-open applications once this work has been completed.