The South West has become the first region to trial Waiting Well, a new support programme created by LGBT Foundation and Gendered Intelligence to help trans and non-binary people who are waiting for NHS gender identity healthcare. This pilot is designed to change how people experience long waits by offering focused assistance and peer-led resources while they wait for clinical appointments. The initiative responds to the scale of demand: around 42,000 people in England and Wales are currently waiting for gender identity services, a backlog that has prompted both community and specialist organisations to test alternative forms of support.
Waiting Well is framed as a pragmatic experiment in improving wellbeing and reducing harm during delays in clinical care. The programme mixes practical advice, emotional support and information so that people can make informed decisions and feel less isolated. The launch was reported on 23/04/2026 17:07, and organisers emphasise that the pilot will gather evidence on what works so that effective elements can be expanded. By running first in the South West, partners intend to refine delivery before considering wider rollout.
What the pilot offers
The core offering is built around accessible, person-centred support that complements clinical pathways rather than replacing them. Participants can expect tailored signposting, peer support, and practical tools to manage day-to-day challenges while on a waiting list. Organisers describe the service as a combination of peer navigation, reliable information and wellbeing-focused activities designed to reduce anxiety and isolation. The aim is to create a safety net that addresses the psychosocial consequences of waiting for specialised care, without duplicating clinical assessment or treatment functions.
Core services and delivery methods
Although the pilot will adapt to local needs, typical components include facilitated peer groups, one-to-one check-ins, and curated resources that explain pathways through NHS services. The programme highlights the role of lived experience in support provision: trained peers help participants understand options, prepare for appointments and access community resources. The initiative uses a mix of online and community-based engagement to reach people across the South West, with the objective of lowering barriers to participation and offering flexible support where it is most needed.
Why this matters
Long waits for gender identity healthcare can produce significant mental health pressure, social strain and practical disruption. Waiting Well targets these secondary harms by offering psychosocial support during the interim period. By focusing on wellbeing and information, the service seeks to reduce avoidable deterioration that can occur while people await clinical care. For individuals, the difference between unsupported waiting and targeted support can be substantial: access to peers and clear guidance often translates into better coping and a stronger sense of agency.
Evidence-building and impact
The pilot has an explicit learning purpose: partners will monitor outcomes, gather participant feedback and identify which elements are most beneficial. This evidence will inform whether the model is suited to expansion beyond the South West. Importantly, the service is positioned as complementary to existing healthcare provision, intended to work alongside NHS pathways rather than act as a substitute for medical assessment or treatment. Early evaluation will focus on wellbeing measures, engagement levels and practical indicators such as improved navigation of referral systems.
Plans for scaling and how to access support
Organisers have signalled an ambition to take successful parts of the pilot to a national level, contingent on evaluation and funding. If the trial demonstrates clear benefits, the blueprint could be adapted to other regions by LGBT Foundation, Gendered Intelligence and local partners. For now, the service is being offered within the South West through the participating organisations and their community networks. Individuals interested in learning more are encouraged to connect with those organisations directly to find out about eligibility, referral routes and ways to take part.
Waiting Well represents a community-led attempt to address the non-clinical harms of lengthy waits for gender identity healthcare. By combining peer support, clear information and flexible delivery, the pilot seeks to reduce isolation and improve the day-to-day experience of people on waiting lists. The project will be evaluated to determine whether the model can be widened across England and Wales, and the initiative was publicised on 23/04/2026 17:07 as part of ongoing efforts to innovate around supportive care during referral delays.