The NHS yesterday released further information about two new clinical trials into the use and effectiveness of puberty blockers for young transgender people. Jo Hardy, CEO of Mermaids said: “While we welcome the start of the long awaited puberty blocker clinical trial, it is disappointing to see that only a very small number of trans young people who are prepared to take part in an intrusive clinical trial will be able to access this treatment, and others will have to wait a year before their part of the trial commences. Whilst we acknowledge that not all trans young people want…
Blog — News
Trans Awareness Week, which falls every 13th-19th November, is for our community to share their stories and experiences, and for allies to show up and amplify advocacy around issues of prejudice, discrimination, and violence that impact the trans community.This Trans Awareness Week is especially important for us, because it marks 30 years of Mermaids. We’ve come so far since 1995, when Mermaids was only a group of parents around a kitchen table. Now, we support thousands of trans children and young people, their loved ones, and professionals involved in their care, every year. We’re celebrating this amazing achievement by sharing…
Mermaids appoints Johanna Hardy as new Chief Executive Officer Mermaids, the UK charity supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families, is delighted to announce the appointment of Johanna Hardy (she/her) as its new Chief Executive Officer. Jo will be taking up the role in November 2025, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in the charity sector. Her career includes senior roles at Young Minds, Gingerbread, Contact and Mencap, with a strong focus on children, families, mental health and marginalised communities. Over the course of her career, Jo has led national helplines, face-to-face family…
Over the weekend, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published an “interim update” following the Supreme Court judgment. This update isn’t statutory, which means that it’s not the law, and can’t be enforced. It is likely that providers following this update are at risk of unlawful discrimination. We are deeply concerned about this interim update, which will have significant negative impacts for trans, non-binary and intersex children, young people and adults, from where they get changed for PE, to which toilets they use at school or in public and even which youth organisations and clubs they can join. No…
At Mermaids, we believe that everyone should feel supported at work, cared for at school, and taken seriously at the doctors. Yet we know, this is too often not the case for many trans people across the UK.To create a world where trans people can thrive, we must support the people who provide support to our community.At a time where trans people are facing growing hostility just for being themselves, it’s so important that employers, educators and other professionals stand up for inclusion.Recent research by TUC revealed that just one in three trans people shared that they are trans with…
Hi, my name’s John and I work on Mermaids’ support line. I’m a non-binary trans man living in Staffordshire with my fiancée. I love reading and listening to podcasts, especially if they are about history and folklore! My co-workers know me as the one with lots of Oodies (a type of wearable, hooded blanket) they joke that I have one for every day of the week! I remember when I was eighteen someone asked me what my dream job was. I said it would be working for an LGBTQ+ organisation but that it would probably never happen. Around Christmas 2020…
We are devastated for young people in the USA following the executive order that seeks to ban gender affirming care for under 19s. Right across the globe, extremist politicians are trying to deny trans youth the right to freely express themselves, despite clear evidence of the benefits of gender affirming care. We stand in full solidarity with the young people and their loved ones affected by these measures. This order reminds us that the right to healthcare is hard won but easily taken away. We will support our international partners who stand resolutely against the global anti-gender movement and continue…
Statement from our Chair of Trustees, Kathryn Downs We are relieved that the Charity Commission Inquiry which began nearly two years ago is finally over. The report states, as we anticipated, that there is no finding of misconduct at Mermaids. The Commission has also confirmed, as we have repeatedly asserted, that we have not provided medical advice or acted improperly in our work with children, young people and their families. We want to thank all our staff, volunteers and generous supporters who have ensured we have continued to provide high quality support and advocacy to trans young people, maintaining our…
NHS England has today (7 August 2024) published several updates relevant to gender services for young people, including its Cass Review Implementation Plan and the new referral pathway specification. These updates largely outline what we already know about NHS England’s approach. However, we’ll be reviewing them in detail and, alongside sector partners, will provide further information, analysis and resources in due course. If you’re worried about anything you read and need to talk to someone, please contact our helpline. We’re here for you Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm.
We are incredibly disappointed by yesterday’s High Court judgement to uphold the decision to restrict the prescription of puberty blockers for trans young people. The ban, which was brought into place under the previous Conservative Health Secretary, will expire on 2 September 2024 and there must be a consultation process if the Government wishes to make it permanent. We strongly believe that the Health Secretary must now listen to trans young people. This includes recognising the harm that outright bans have, and continue to cause, and making sure harm reduction measures are in place to support the children and young…