Evolve is designed to support young trans people aged between 11 and 16 and their parents and carers who are currently waiting to be seen (or who are being seen) by The NHS Children & Young People's Gender Incongruence Service (previously known as GIDS or Gender Identity Service). Evolve has been funded by NHS Sussex.
"Lorna and Josh created such a safe and welcoming space for us all to talk, be vulnerable, be creative, laugh together. We are so grateful to have met the most wonderful families and to see our child bond with other young people who know what they’re going through. It has been such a special experience."
Evolve runs over 3 weekends, once a month, for 3 months. We gently introduce families to one another and create a safe and gentle space where families and young people can share their experiences. Each week we offer fun activities and a separate space for adults and young people to talk. Our sessions are all facilitated by our experienced workers. Allsorts has been delivering vital services for LGBT+ people for 25 years and we are very experienced in supporting families.
"The way it was facilitated, the time with adults only & the time with our children, and when came together, the variation of activities. The space felt extremely safe (physically and emotionally)."
100% of the parents and carers who attended our last Evolve programme rated it as 'Brilliant'
Topics covered vary from group to group but often cover; school, friendships, coming out, how we feel about our bodies, how we can support ourselves and one another, family communication, how we can celebrate one another, looking forward to the future, and how to get through the difficult aspects of waiting to be seen by a gender service.
"an incredibly safe and supportive space to grow as a family and meet other families who can relate to what you’re going through. Plus a lot of fun in between the more serious conversations!"
We will provide:
- Reimbursement of your bus/train travel
- Reimbursement of parking ticket
- Snacks and lunch
100% of the parents and carers who attended our last Evolve programme said they now felt that they were part of a supportive community of other parents & carers
Evolve will take place over 3 weekends from September to November '25. As much as possible, in two-parent families, it works best if both parents can attend each session in the programme, but we appreciate that can be difficult with work, so young people are very welcome with one parent.
"It was brilliantly run and gave us both the opportunity to meet new people. My child is so much more confident and has found school easier. Lorna and Josh were so approachable and made us feel so welcome"
The dates for the next programme are ;
Weekend 1- 27th & 28th September '25 from 10.45am-3.30pm
Weekend 2 - 18th & 19th October '25 from 10.45am-3.30pm
Weekend 3 - 29th & 30th November '25 from 10.45am-3.30pm
The next group after that will probably run in Spring 2026, exact dates to be confirmed.
Please contact us at families@allsortsyouth.org.uk if you would like any more information.
