We are looking to create a toolkit that informs good practice for Greater Manchester schools for the positive inclusion of trans (including non-binary) young people. We know this is needed because:

1. The Greater Manchester #BeeWell survey (2022) found that “trans young people report significantly higher levels of stress and negative affect, and lower levels of life satisfaction and psychological well being, than their cis counterparts.” Overall, finding “consistent evidence of pronounced wellbeing inequalities that were routinely large enough to warrant significant concern. This statement can be applied to findings relating to gender identity, sexual orientation, and transgender status.”
2. Our current youth service users who identify as trans (including non-binary) consistently tell us that in other places where they exist, they do not always receive the same inclusive welcome as they do with us.
3. We are receiving increasing numbers of contacts from the adults in trans young people’s lives (parents and carers/youth professionals) seeking advice and guidance on trans inclusion following a young person coming out to them. A comprehensive toolkit, informed by the experiences of trans (including non-binary) young people, will give these professionals more confidence to do whatever is in the best interests of the young person they are working with.

The creation and contents of this toolkit will be informed by a young people’s focus group and two surveys, one seeking the view of young people, the other of adults (professionals and parents/carers) in Greater Manchester. The surveys are open now, for a period of six weeks.