At Suicide Prevention UK, we are proud to support every person, regardless of their gender identity or expression. We stand firmly with the transgender and nonbinary community—celebrating your identity, advocating for your wellbeing, and recognizing the unique challenges you face.
Last week, a significant change in NHS policy was announced following the findings of the Cass Review, resulting in the banning of puberty blockers for minors outside of clinical research settings. While this decision is framed as a matter of medical safety, it has caused widespread fear, frustration, and distress among trans youth, their families, and the wider LGBTQ+ community. As an organization on the front lines of mental health and suicide prevention, we cannot ignore the potential impact this will have.
We See You. We Hear You. We Stand With You.
Transgender people—particularly trans youth—deserve to feel safe, valued, and supported. They deserve access to timely, affirming healthcare. They deserve to be respected for who they are, not scrutinised or stigmatised for existing.
We want to be clear:
???? Being trans is not a mental illness.
???? Gender-affirming care saves lives.
???? Respect, dignity, and inclusion are essential to suicide prevention.
At Suicide Prevention UK, we recognize that many of our transgender friends, callers, and volunteers have faced not only discrimination in daily life but systemic barriers to healthcare, including delays, invalidation, and misgendering. These experiences can have a devastating impact on mental wellbeing, especially when combined with social isolation or rejection by family, schools, or peers.
The Mental Health Crisis Facing Trans People
The data paints a harrowing picture of what is already a vulnerable population:
- 48% of trans people in the UK have attempted suicide at least once in their lives (Stonewall).
- 84% of trans people have considered suicide, with many reporting repeated thoughts of self-harm.
- The rate of suicide attempts among trans youth is more than double that of cisgender peers.
- In the UK’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Survey (The Trevor Project), 72% of trans and nonbinary youth who experienced gender-based discrimination had considered suicide in the past year.
These are not just statistics—they are real people. These are young lives full of potential, struggling in a world that too often fails to affirm their identity or protect their wellbeing.
Puberty Blockers and Affirming Healthcare: Why It Matters
Puberty blockers are reversible medications that delay the physical changes of puberty, giving young people more time to explore their gender identity before potentially undergoing more permanent treatments. Leading international medical bodies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society, have stated that puberty blockers, when used appropriately, can significantly reduce anxiety, depression, and suicidality in transgender youth.
By restricting access to puberty blockers, the UK risks sending a dangerous message to young trans people: that their identity is something to be doubted, questioned, or delayed. This can exacerbate feelings of dysphoria, isolation, and hopelessness.
Our Message to Trans Youth and Adults
You are valid.
You are loved.
You are not alone.
This ruling does not change your worth or your right to seek support. We know this news may feel like a setback—or even a betrayal—but we are here, we are listening, and we will continue to advocate for a world where you are safe and celebrated.
We will continue to provide confidential, non-judgemental support to anyone who is struggling, including trans and nonbinary individuals. Whether you need someone to talk to or you just want to be heard—we’re here.
What We’re Doing as a Charity
At Suicide Prevention UK, we are:
- Training our helpline and outreach teams on gender-affirming language and inclusive practice
- Including trans voices in our volunteer recruitment and leadership spaces
- Advocating for evidence-based mental health care that is accessible to all, including gender-diverse individuals
- Collaborating with LGBTQ+ organisations and grassroots groups to amplify trans-led work and support networks
- Raising awareness of the unique mental health needs of the transgender community through education and lived experience
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend, employer, or ally—your support matters more than ever. Here’s how you can stand with trans people:
- Educate yourself on trans issues and share accurate information
- Challenge transphobia wherever you see it
- Support and donate to LGBTQ+ mental health charities
- Listen without judgement
- Remind trans people in your life that they are loved, seen, and accepted
In Crisis? We’re Here.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, please reach out:
???? Suicide Prevention UK Helpline: 0800 587 0800
???? In an emergency, always dial 999
???? www.spuk.org.uk for more info, support options, and to get involved.
Final Words
We believe suicide is preventable. But it begins with recognising the pain of marginalised communities and responding with empathy, action, and change. The trans community is not just under attack from policy—they’re also fighting for their right to live authentically.
We stand with you in that fight. And we always will.
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With hope,
Suicide Prevention UK
Registered Charity No. 1187866