Ellie is a young trans woman who first came to akt looking for support with her transition. She had experienced anxiety and depression and had struggled to find work due to the bullying she experienced in her last job. 

“I was so confused and fed up and low because I wanted to transition but didn’t know how to. akt showed me the way”. 

We introduced Ellie to a mentor, who is also transgender.  Ellie’s mentor worked with her for two years, offering support with updating her CV, finding jobs, and accessing a referral to a mental health service. Together they also completed a deed poll and started the process of obtaining a new ID. They also gave her information about trans social groups to encourage her to make friends.   

“Talking to someone else who was transgender was helpful and changed my life really”.  

When Ellie started a new job, akt provided her a £100 voucher as she needed new clothes due to her body changing since starting her transition.  

Ellie is now working full-time at a warehouse and feels more stable. She feels that her path forward is a lot clearer and that she has more of a support network - in part due to attending theatre trips organised within akt’s Youth Engagement project. 

“akt has really helped me with my confidence. akt helped me with the darkest bits of my life and showed me the way to go forward” 

You can help us to continue working with more LGBTQ+ young people like Ellie by becoming a supporter and making a donation today.