The National Gender Service (NGS) recognises that things can be difficult at every stage of your gender exploration or transition. 

If you are waiting to be referred or are on our waitlist and finding things difficult, please know that you are not alone. A good next step would be to reach out to groups and organisations who can support you in exploring and affirming your gender.  Information on support and online resources can be found on our “Supports” section. 

Additionally, we have created a list of local resources for a range of challenges that people may face. Examples include: psychotherapy listings, addiction supports, stress programs, grief services, and many more.  For access to our resource pack Click here

If you are experiencing mental health issues, we recommend talking to your GP as a first step.  Some of the organisations on the “supports” section will have advice on local friendly counsellors and psychologists who might also be able to help. 

If you are ever in crisis, please reach out. Things may be difficult but there is help available and there are people who will listen. Good places to find support when in crisis are Pieta House or The Samaritans. 

Pieta House can be contacted on FreeFone 1800 247 247. Further contact details for additional supports such as text support can be found at www.pieta.ie. The Samaritans can be reached by calling (free) 116 123. Further details are on their website www.samaritans.org

If you are attending our service and finding things difficult, we may be able to support you further within our team or refer you elsewhere.

Some things that you may be finding difficult are:

• Relationship and family challenges: Coming out to family and friends can be daunting. Sometimes relationships can change during your transition and this effects all parties. Our social worker can offer support to you and your family, partner, child or important person in your life. 
• Transitioning at work or school: Coming out at work or school can be challenging. You may have concerns about your relationships with your peers, management, your career progression/academic attainment, security and happiness. Our social worker can advise and support you with transitioning at work or in education. 
• Mental Health: After commencing hormones or getting surgery, or at any point some people still struggle with their mental health, or their mental health gets worse. We have a mental health team that includes a psychologist, psychiatrists, and a mental health nurse who may be able to advise and support you. We also have a call in phone line on Thursday mornings where you can speak with one of our Consultant Psychiatrists. Please contact us if you are struggling and we will do our best to help you.
• Addiction: Sometimes people struggle with drink and drugs and can find themselves losing control of their drink or drug use. We have a trained specialist nurse in addiction who can support you in challenges relating to drug and alcohol addiction. Please contact us if you need help with this.
• Voice Therapy: Some people feel very conscious about their voice and this limits their ability to engage in the world as they would like. Our Speech and Language Therapist can offer 1-1 and group therapy for voice work. Please contact us if this is of interest to you. 
• Communication Needs: Some individuals have specific communication needs and need support verbalising and expressing their needs in a manner that works for them. This can affect them at home, at work, in education, or in the world in general. If you find you have trouble communicating then let us know.
• Getting an income: Financial security can help improve your life in a number of ways. We can help with job applications, funding supports, job seekers allowances and benefits that you may be entitled to. Please contact us if you would like more information on what we can offer.
• Personal development: We can help support you to get back into education or pursue your interests. There are lots of different types of courses, classes, internships, volunteering and other opportunities available that may be of interest to you. Please contact us if you would like more information on what we can offer.
• Securing safe accommodation: We can help you in securing safe accommodation. If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in your current housing situation, our social worker can work with you to see if there are other options available that might be a better fit. Please contact us if this is something that you need help with. 
• Legal transition: We have a monthly legal transition clinic to help support you change your name via deed poll and to change your gender via obtainment of a gender recognition certificate. Please contact us if you would like to be referred to this clinic.