Evolve is a programme provided by Allsorts Youth Project available to young people and parents/carers of young people who are:

  • Trans

  • Ages 11 - 16 (year 7+)

  • Connected to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), either on the waiting list or currently being supported by the service


The Evolve programme has been developed to help and support young people and their parents/carers to:

  • Build a wider community and support network

  • Increase resilience, confidence, and self-esteem

  • Develop positive family relationships

  • Develop life skills

while having fun and making new friends.

"Evolve has been such a special thing to be a part of and our child has made some really special friendships with the other children."

About the Programme

This programme is designed to support trans young people and their parents/carers to build stronger relationships by participating in activities and workshops which will build confidence, resilience and communication skills. The tailored programme will be interactive, fun and provide you with a safe space to connect.

Key information

  • The programme is free

  • Refreshments will be provided throughout the programme

  • You and your child will need to commit to all sessions to get the most out of the programme

  • If you have any concerns about travel costs, please let us know

  • The sessions will be facilitated by experienced workers

  • Some of the workshops and activities throughout the programme will be specific to parents/carer or children/young people so will be facilitated at the same time but in separate groups

  • If you are a two parent/carer family, we encourage both of you to attend if possible

The Waiting Well Programme is a 4 week programme developed in partnership and supported by NHS Sussex, available to young people who are:

  • Trans

  • Ages 16-21

  • Due to move from the under 18's gender services to the Gender Identity Clinic service (18+), or have already transferred from under 18's gender services to the GIC and are waiting for their first appointment with the GIC


The Waiting Well Programme has been developed to help and support young people to:

  • Find community and feel better connected

  • Build on their confidence and resilience 

  • Feel equipped to manage difficult feelings 

  • Develop tools to maintain improved wellbeing

  • Access up-to-date information, resources and opportunities

“All the other young people and staff are really nice to be around and it has been good connecting with people like me”

About the Programme

A photo of someone waving a trans flag

We know that many young people age out of GIDS before their first appointment and then have to wait further for an appointment at the GIC. The lengthy waiting period can be an uncertain time, and many young people can feel isolated and frustrated during this period.

This programme is designed to support trans young people during this difficult waiting period, offering activities and workshops which will build confidence, resilience and communication skills. The tailored programme will be interactive and fun, providing them with a safe space to connect.

There are 10 spaces available for young people on each 4 week programme. We will let you know several weeks before the programme starts if you have got a place.

Key information

  • The programme is free

  • Refreshments will be provided throughout the programme

  • You will need to commit to all four sessions to get the most out of the programme

  • The programme will run in Brighton but may include an activity running outside of Brighton

  • If you have any concerns about travel costs, please let us know

  • The sessions will be facilitated by experienced workers

When is the Waiting Well 4 week programme taking place?

The dates for each session are as follows:

  • Wednesday 3rd April

  • Wednesday 10th April

  • Saturday 20th April

  • Saturday 27th April

Each session will run from the morning into the afternoon, with a break for lunch. We will be in touch to confirm timings once your place on the programme has been confirmed.

How can I sign up?

In order to access this programme, you will need to be inducted into Allsorts’ services services. Please fill in this referral form and a member of our team will be in touch to arrange an induction.

Once you have had your induction, or if you are already inducted into Allsorts’ services, please fill in the Waiting Well referral form here.

If you have any questions about the Waiting Well programme, please get in touch at youth@allsortsyouth.org.uk