Trans Peer Mentoring

Trans, non-binary or gender-questioning?

Whether you’re exploring your gender identity, navigating challenges, or seeking connection, the Trans Empowerment Programme (TEP) offers holistic, peer-led support from people who understand.

What is peer mentoring?

Peer mentoring is a supportive relationship between two trans or non-binary people. It’s built on shared lived experience and creates a safe, non-judgemental space to talk through challenges, build confidence, and reflect on your personal journey.

Mentoring is not counselling or therapy. Mentors aren’t there to diagnose or fix problems. They’re there to listen, support, and empower.

Why peer mentoring matters

Many trans and non-binary people grow up without community role models or safe spaces to talk openly about identity, relationships, and self-worth. Mentoring helps bridge that gap.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your identity, are in the middle of transitioning, or have been out for years, mentoring offers a chance to connect, be heard and grow.

Topics you might explore

Mentoring can be fully tailored to your needs. Sessions may follow a semi-structured programme, covering themes such as:

• History sharing
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Navigating isolation and mental well-being
• Goal setting and forward planning
• Personal and family relationships
• Coming out and celebrating identity
• Being Black and trans, or exploring other intersectional identities
• Professional or service-based relationships (e.g. with housing, police, healthcare)

This list isn’t exhaustive; mentoring is flexible and shaped around your unique experiences.

What mentoring is (and isn’t)

Mentoring is a supportive, non-clinical relationship, rooted in lived experience. It offers space to reflect and be heard, and to think through your next steps with someone who understands your world.

Mentoring is not:

• Counselling or therapy
• Crisis support
• Mental health treatment
• A substitute for medical or psychological care

If you need therapeutic support, we can signpost you to appropriate services, including Spectra’s trans counselling offer. Mentoring is best used as part of a broader support network.

How mentoring works

You’ll be matched with a trans or non-binary peer mentor based on shared identity, background or lived experience. You’ll meet online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams for sessions lasting around 60 minutes.

• Mentors provide a calm, affirming space to:
• Reflect and talk things through
• Work toward your goals
• Receive signposting to other services if needed (e.g. housing, mental health, sexual health)

Mentors are trained volunteers offering compassionate support, not clinical or crisis professionals.

Want to connect with a mentor?

We accept applications from trans, non-binary, and questioning people who:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Are based in the UK

All mentees are invited to a one-to-one assessment after applying. This helps us understand your support needs and ensure mentoring is the right fit for you.