Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex (TNBI) young people and their families/those important to them can now access a free counselling service in Sefton.
This service is available at any stage of your social and/or medical journey.
CMAGIC have been working with adults in Sefton for many years. We identified a gap in services for TNBI children and young people; along with those people who are important to them.
Please read the information about the service below carefully.
Before you refer:
Check you are eligible for this service:
- Aged between 11 and 18 years old although under 11’s will be considered.
- Must be registered with a GP practice in Sefton, UK.
- Be questioning their Gender Identity.
- Identify as Trans, Non-Binary or Intersex.
About Your Sessions
The service offers up to six 1-hour sessions of counselling support for people 11–18 years old who are either questioning their gender identity or identity as Trans, non-binary, or intersex (TNBI).
Children under the age of 11 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In addition to 1-2-1 sessions, The service can also provide up to four sessions of counselling support for families or people important to the individual using the same self-referral method.
Qualified professional counsellors will deliver the service on behalf of CMAGIC. Each of our counsellors have extensive experience working with TNBI individuals.
Do I need an adult involved?
If you are a young person aged 11-18, we do need to have the details of a responsible adult (family member, care giver, teacher) who is willing to support your referral.
We may ask that the adult to also accompany you to the first session where you will discuss with your counsellor the best way to support you and hold further sessions.
How to access the service
The service is accessed by self-referral, so young people can put themselves forward by using the link below. Alternatively, the referral can be made someone nominated by the young person.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for the service you/the young person must be:
- Be aged between 11 and 18 years old although under 11’s will be considered.
- Must be registered with a GP practice in Sefton, UK.
- Be questioning their Gender Identity.
- Identify as Trans, Non-Binary or Intersex.
Accessing this service does not change or affect your eligibility for any other services, referrals or pathways. We don’t share that you have accessed this service with anyone else, including the NHS.
Do I need to pass an assessment?
Your counsellor when they meet you for the first time will talk you through how they work and the format of the sessions. You’ll agree what works best for you and put a schedule in place there.
Your counsellor has the responsibility to make sure you can understand and benefit from the training. This may be by speaking to your nominated responsible adult or there is something called ‘Gillick Competency’ assessment – often just whilst speaking with you – to ensure they believe you are able to consent to accessing the service.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. At busy times, we do operate a short waiting list. Referrals are dealt with in the order in which they are submitted and we aim to keep you informed of how long you can expect to wait.
Where do I need to go for my session?
The service is predominantly delivered remotely (via Zoom) but we may be able to accommodate face to face sessions on a case-by-case basis.
What if I need help now?
This service is not designed to be an urgent care provision. If you need help with your mental health you can find support here, if you need urgent help, always call 111 or in emergency call 999.
Your Data
We store the data you submit in accordance to our data protection policy. You can read this here.