Resources and information

On this page you can find the Sussex Gender Service patient information leaflets and some helpful resources.

Care navigators are trans, non-binary or intersex (TNBI) community members who work alongside the Sussex Gender Service to offer you help and advice.

Feminising hormone information

Masculinising hormone information

Contraception/menstrual (period) suppression

Blood tests

Sussex Gender Service are unable to provide blood tests; however, we work with GP practices under collaborative care agreements to support you with this. The GP practice will provide blood tests and/or blood test request forms (called a 'blood form') which you can take to a local clinic if you are unable to get a blood test at your usual GP practice. Please contact us if you need any support with this.

Once you have a blood form, you can book a blood test at one of these clinics:

What to expect at your appointment

Surgeon list

Gender Dysphoria National Referral Support Service

The Gender Dysphoria National Referral Support Service Support Line number is 0300 131 6775.

Chest surgery

Vulvoplasty/vaginoplasty genital reconstruction surgery (GRS)

Phalloplasty/metoidioplasty genital reconstruction surgery (GRS)

Gender-affirming hysterectomy (operation to remove cervix, uterus and ovaries)

Unscheduled aftercare - revision surgery

Gender-affirming care booklets

Information on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Contraception information

Clinic T

Clinic T is a trans and non-binary friendly sexual health and contraception service offering testing and treatment for STIs, help with bleeding control and contraception, cervical cytology, vaccination, social support and signposting to local partner support organisations.

Video on cervical screening

HPV self-testing for the transgender community

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Eating Difficulties and Eating Disorders support 

Cost of Living Support (Food and Nutrition) 

Trans Sober

Support with drug and alcohol use for the trans and non-binary community.

Trans Can Sport

A not-for-profit, community interest company based in Brighton and Hove, created to support trans people to get into exercise and healthy living.

TReNBI FC

TReNBI FC is a mixed-level football space for trans, non-binary, intersex and gender exploring adults (TNBI+). They offer free football every Saturday morning in Brighton. 

Trans Swimming Brighton

For anyone whose gender expression has been keeping them from swimming. Every Wednesday 8pm - 9pm at St Luke's Swimming Pool, Brighton.

General TNBI administration advice

Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC)

Sussex Gender Service can support you with your application for a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

As part of your GRC application, you need to submit two reports from two doctors, or a doctor and a psychologist.

  • Your first document 'Report A' - you can submit your letter from SGS which contains the diagnosis of 'gender incongruence'. This is usually after your second appointment at SGS. Please ask us if you are unsure if you have this letter.
  • Your second document 'Report B' - you can ask your GP for a supporting letter. We can provide a template for your GP, please contact us if you would like this.

You can access support from the care navigators with your GRC application or GRC outcome. 

Other information regarding name changes

Deed poll

Drivers licence name/gender change

Name change by statutory declaration

Usually witnessed by solicitor.

Passport

Change name/gender marker on NHS health records

  • You can access non-medical support from our care navigators
  • Hormones: you may be able to access bridging hormones with a supportive GP. This allows any private hormone treatment you're already accessing to be taken on by the NHS. If you have not started hormones, this allows you to start hormones through the NHS. We would not be able to recommend specific GP surgeries, but it may be worth looking into community recommendations. WellBN has a Trans Health Hub which may be useful to look into if you are struggling to find a supportive GP
  • Voice therapy: you may be able to get a referral from your GP for gender affirming voice therapy. If you live in East Sussex here is some information about this: Speech and language therapy
  • Support for GPs: if your GP requires any support or advice about your gender affirming care, they are very welcome to come to us with any questions as we can provide training - advice and guidance for all Sussex GPs.

TNBI Support Across Sussex

A map of support groups, social groups, and organisations that support trans, non-binary & intersex people across Sussex. 

The Clare Project

Run by and for trans, non-binary, gender-variant and gender-questioning people across Brighton, Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. Psychosocial support groups, information sessions, workshops and excursions. See The Claire Project resources page.

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

Listening, advice and support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer community.

Gendered Intelligence

A support line for trans people who are waiting for gender affirming healthcare and those around them. All contact handlers are trans and/or non-binary and are trained to help with:

  • Finding social groups in your area
  • Listening to how you are doing and feeling
  • Support strategies as you wait to be seen by your gender identity clinic
  • Therapy options near you
  • Any questions you might have.

The support line is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 2pm-7pm and Wednesday and Friday 10am-3pm. 

Galop

National charity for LGBTQIA+ victims of domestic abuse, hate crime or violence.

Gender Construction Kit

This is a comprehensive guide "made for UK queers by UK queers". Designed to guide you through all aspects of updating and exploring your gender, including changing details on ID, updating NHS records, and finding your style.

TransActual

A community interest company, which aims to empower trans and non-binary people as well as inform and educate others about the issues which trans and non-binary people face.

Web: transactual.org.uk

Navigate

A peer support group for anyone who identifies as transmasculine, non-binary, intersex and gender-diverse assigned female at birth (AFAB) people. Regular meetings are held on the second Friday of every month. The meetings are a hybrid of in person in Brighton, with an online link also.

Spectra

Spectra offers social groups, 121 support, counselling and workshops. Spectra’s services are delivered by people of trans experience themselves in a friendly, safe, confidential, non-judgemental and accessible space. They are a London based service, but offer many services online or via telephone.

The Trans Health Hub from WellBN

A pilot working in partnership with The Clare Project to improve access to healthcare and support for trans, non-binary, intersex and gender variant people aged 16+.

Allsorts Youth Project

Allsorts Youth Project listens to, connects and supports children and young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity (LGBT+) and their families.

Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance Trans Group

A peer social support group for those questioning their gender or at any stage of transitioning.

Bourne Out LGBTQ+ Café

An inclusive café and social space for the LGBTQ+ community in Eastbourne.

Citizen’s Advice

National charity for workers and consumer rights.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for health professionals