Transgender Awareness Week: Helping every young person feel they belong

Posted: 13th November 2025

At SELFA, making sure that all of our groups and activities are inclusive and celebrate diversity isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential. This includes recognising the full range of gender identities and expressions and different kinds of families and relationships.

One of our key focuses for all of the children and young people we support is to build a sense of belonging.

It’s not just about creating welcoming environments, but ensuring that all transgender youth are able to nurture their talents and fulfil their potential. It’s about supporting their wellbeing and making their quality of life better in a society that poses many challenges for non-binary and gender diverse people.

Research by Just Like Us, a charity for LGBT+ young people, shows 65% of trans youth people worry about their mental health daily. They’re also far more likely to experience daily tension where they are living than non-transgender young people. Sadly, just 19% say they feel optimistic about the future. We want to change this.

“Transgender young people often face stigma, social isolation and limited access to supportive services,” says Emma Pears, CEO of SELFA. “They may also struggle to find peers who understand their experiences, which can deepen feelings of loneliness and fear of being judged.”

How SELFA encourages belonging

Feeling like you belong can make a huge difference. It protects young people from feeling isolated, facing discrimination and struggling with their mental health.

Catherine Williams, SELFA’s programme manager for mental health, says fostering belonging is at the heart of what they do.

“We make sure every group and activity is inclusive, welcoming, and affirming,” she explains. “We use inclusive language and practices so young people feel respected and seen.

“We also celebrate diversity through awareness weeks, creative projects, and campaigns that amplify transgender and non-binary voices. Young people help shape our services, which gives them ownership and a real sense of belonging.”

One young person summed it up: “SELFA is really welcoming, and I feel safe to be myself there.”

Supporting the mental wellbeing of transgender young people is also a big part of SELFA’s work.

The team offer one-to-one emotional support with trained staff who understand gender identity and provide a safe, non-judgmental space to talk.

They also link up with specialist partners so young people can get extra support when they need it.

Through peer support groups, SELFA celebrates every young person’s strengths, creativity, and individuality.

By creating spaces where everyone feels valued, connected, and included, our charity helps young people grow in confidence – and share their unique gifts with their community.

“When young transgender people are accepted and included, they’re more likely to thrive, build confidence, and reach their full potential,” Pears adds.