Give the gift of gender-affirming care this Christmas #CareForXmas

Not-For-Profit Anne Launches #CareForXmas Appeal to Support Trans+ Healthcare Access

A UK healthcare not-for-profit has launched its Christmas campaign calling on the public to help make gender-affirming care accessible to trans+ people facing years-long NHS waiting lists.

The #CareForXmas appeal, launched by Anne, highlights the severe barriers preventing thousands of trans+ people from accessing vital healthcare across the UK.

Current NHS gender identity clinic waiting times have reached crisis levels, with an estimated 48,000 people waiting for a first appointment at one of the UK’s 15 gender identity clinics. Recent reports suggest the average wait time for a first appointment has reached 25 years, with some trans+ people in Scotland facing potential waits of up to 224 years.

“Gender-affirming care is lifesaving care,” the organisation stated in its campaign launch. “For many, it offers relief from years of distress, improves mental health, supports physical wellbeing and helps trans+ people participate in public life as their true selves.”

The organisation highlighted additional barriers beyond waiting times, including GPs reluctant to provide shared care arrangements, some withdrawing support after years of prescribing hormone replacement therapy, and the prohibitive cost of private care forcing many into unsafe self-medication.

Research shows that over 86% of trans people report that NHS waiting times have negatively impacted their mental health.

The not-for-profit is encouraging supporters to donate, start fundraisers, or purchase merchandise from their online store, with all proceeds supporting trans+ people across the UK.

Applications for the organisation’s next funded care round will open on 12th January 2026, with further information to be posted on 5th January.