A CHARITY which supports transgender and questioning people are to run a new support group in Bournemouth.

Chrysalis, who have been supporting trans people, their families and close friends since 2005, are to reopen their Bournemouth Transgender and Questioning support group, which will be held every first and third Thursday of the month at a confidential location in central Bournemouth from 6.30pm.

Andi Maratos, CEO of the charity, said: “Each group starts with a welcome by co-facilitators Julie and Saskia and the chance to grab a drink, with people arriving, then there is a speaker on a topic of interest from 7-8 then the group has their facilitated group time.

“This provides a safe, respectful space for people to talk about what is going on for them, to share experiences and thoughts and break down the barriers of isolation.

“Coming to Chrysalis may be the first time a trans or questioning person has met other trans people or been able to speak openly about their experiencing and everyone values the connections they make at the group.”

Chrysalis offers open ended, one-to-one counselling from counsellors trained in working with gender diverse people to all those who access their services, with all attendees at the T&Q support group receiving a minimum of eight sessions provided by counsellors Cara, Amanda and Helen.

The charity are also due to launch their more business focused approach, Chrysalis Dorset services at The Factory on 6th September. It is an inclusive event open to professionals, support services and policy makers showcasing the services they provide as well as displaying their new promotional video.

Andi continues: “Chrysalis is unique in offering workshops, counselling and facilitated group work at the same meeting and we are looking to complement the already excellent support and social groups for trans people in the Bournemouth area, we are looking to develop our Friends and Family support groups and are currently recruiting for volunteers for these.

“On a personal note, I passionately believe in the right of everyone to be the most authentic person they can be, that everyone should be free to be themselves. Chrysalis exists to break down the barriers caused by isolation and to facilitate people in their own self exploration.

“We are an inclusive service for those who are trans and those who are questioning their gender identity, with our service supporting equally those with binary and non-binary gender identities at any stage in their life. Our venue is fully accessible, and we welcome people from diverse backgrounds to access our services.”

For anyone wishing to find out more about our group in Bournemouth or those that are running in Hampshire then they can email info@chrysalis-gii.org or call us between 9.30 and 3pm Monday to Friday on 01489 589111 to speak to a trained advisor.