This week saw the launch of the Gender Pathway, a new donor-funded scheme that will offer access to grants to help subsidise gender-affirming care via independent providers for trans+ people on low incomes and Gender Plus is proud to be the fund’s first partner provider.
Inspired by our own Reduced Fee pathway trial, the Gender Pathway aims to raise £100,000 in its first round. That's enough to fund up to two years of subsidised care for more than forty people, who would otherwise have no choice but to wait.
According to the LGBT Foundation, around 42,000 people in England and Wales are currently waiting for a first appointment at an NHS gender identity clinic. The average wait is around five years, with the latest figures revealing some people wait more than a decade.
We hear every day from people who have spent years on hold, and while access to care via independent providers such as Gender Plus can close that gap, for many the cost puts it out of reach. The Gender Pathway exists to change that.
How the fund works
The fund runs in rounds. Donations are pooled until a round's target is reached, and only then do applications open.
The Gender Pathway sets a target for each round.
Members of the public donate.
Once the target is reached, applications open.
People seeking care apply, and applications are means-tested.
Successful applicants are paired with a partner provider, which delivers care at a reduced rate.
The provider delivers up to two years of care, after which care transfers to the person's GP.
The next funding round opens.
Funding covers up to £2,000 per adult and approximately £3,000 for those aged 16 and 17. Donations for future rounds are welcome at any time.
The Gender Pathway is a small, independent not-for-profit community interest company, run by a team of volunteers, and includes those with lived experience and their allies.
People funded in the first round will receive their care with us. We offer holistic support from start to finish:
Psychosocial care, including psychological assessment and support
Clinical care through the Gender Plus Hormone Clinic, rated Outstanding by the CQC
Gender specialist GP support to facilitate shared care, where available
We're delighted to work with a fund that shares our commitment to safe, timely and compassionate care. The Gender Pathway is also working to bring on further providers and, over time, applicants will have a choice of where they can be seen.
Every donation brings the first round closer to its £100,000 target, and the sooner it's reached, the sooner applications open. The more people know about the fund the quicker the target will be reached. If you're able to donate please visit the website. If you can’t donate, please share with people who might.
If you're hoping to apply for funding, follow @thegenderpathwayfund and @genderplusukirl on instagram. Applications will open as soon as the target is met. For further information visit genderpathway.org.uk.
