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 to go down a medical route, want or are able to take hormone blockers, we know that for some this is life-saving treatment.

We believe that restricting access under such limited and intrusive conditions, is heartless and discriminatory.

Mermaids has supported trans, non-binary and gender diverse children and young people for the past 30 years. We will continue advocating for them to have access to timely, supportive and holistic NHS healthcare, in line with international best practice.”

For further information about the research studies, please see Transactual’s information page for trans young people.

If you’re struggling with your feelings about this news (or anything else), there are organisations there to support you.

Our support line and webchat services are open Monday to Friday, 1pm-8:30pm. Call 0808 801 0400.

You can also get in touch with any of the services below if you need someone to talk to outside of our support line hours:  

• LGBT Youth Scotland are available on web chat Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 
• LGBT Health and Wellbeing Scotland Helpline available Tuesday to Thursday, 12-9pm and Sunday 1-6pm 

• Papyrus, Samaritans and Shout are able to support anyone concerned about their mental health.
• Switchboard LGBT+: Call 0800 0119 100. A safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being. Open 10:00-22:00 every day, 365 days a year.
• TRUK Listens: Call 0800 009 6640. Open 8am-midnight.