“I can’t express how difficult it was for me to make my first trip to the Clare Project. I can say that any worries I had were completely unfounded and I have found a varied group of great people who are very supportive. This place is a great opportunity to share experiences, gain confidence and make friends. I was also deeply encouraged by the mix of age and experience of those attending the drop-in.”   R

 “I had never actually met another trans person, and had no idea what to expect. I just had a real need to feel normal in the gender that felt most natural to me, and perhaps find some support for living a female life. The idea of going to a group was scary: what do groups actually do? I wanted to understand how I could establish my female persona, and how other people handled the practical and social problems of learning a new life. Clare Project has been a huge reassurance and a wonderful support as I find my way.”   A

“The group is welcoming & accepting and has a warm & friendly atmosphere.”   M

“The group has given me immense confidence to be happy and to do so in a safe environment Everyone is welcoming and friendly. The mix of people is wide and varied and is accepting of everyone. All in all a great group with a big heart.”   L

“Clare Project has been a lifeline for me, a place where I am completely accepted for who I am, with my need to learn, and my mistakes. I can talk about anything that concerns me, without judgement. And because there are so many different people there, there is always someone who knows what I’m going through.”   A

“If I ever feel I don’t have a friend to talk to who will understand, I remember that people I have met through the Clare Project will always lend an ear, offer practical help, and be there for me. However my life turns out, I will not be alone.”  A

“The Clare Project has made a big difference to my life over the last 8 months and provides one of the most supportive, safe and inclusive environments that I have encountered. Hearing about other people’s experiences and challenges has been a tremendous help in validating my own feelings and working out who I am. A big Thank You.”   M

“Support group meetings are widely used throughout the UK covering a variety of topics. They are there because they work for the people attending, and the Clare Project is no exception. The nature of transgenderism is especially prone to isolation and worry and just to meet with a friendly group such as ours can do much to calm and support those attending. The group is quite informal in nature and newcomers are most welcome to pop in for a cup of tea and chat. For those requiring more help the group has much to offer on a wide range of transgender issues by way of members experiences and information available. A facilitator is in attendance plus a psychotherapist who may be seen if required. Coming along to a Clare Project meeting was one of the first and best things I did on moving to Brighton.”   N

“I’ve met so many interesting people at the Clare Project – young and old – all with different stories to tell. It’s an informal set-up, easy to chat, and we help each other, sharing our experiences. I came to my first meeting as a man – the one and only time. Since then I’ve grown in confidence and now work and go out into the world as a woman. I am grateful to the Clare Project for opening the way to become the person I always wanted to be.”   K