Time to Pause (a support group for mothers of trans-identifying children)

You love your child. You have questions. Both can coexist.

The Time to Pause peer support group is a confidential, respectful, and non-judgmental space for mothers of children and young people who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender diverse.

Many parents find themselves holding complex, sometimes conflicting emotions as they try to love and support their child while also feeling concern, uncertainty, or grief. This group exists to ensure you do not have to carry those feelings alone.

What this space offers

• A safe place to express concerns about medical pathways such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions
• Space to share grief, fear, anger, confusion, or frustration if and when those feelings arise
• Peer connection with other mothers who understand the emotional complexity of this journey
• Gentle discussion of ways to maintain and strengthen a positive, loving relationship with your child, even amid disagreement or uncertainty
• Validation of your role as a parent who is doing her best in a difficult and emotionally charged situation

What this space is

• A supportive space just for mothers 
• Parent-led and peer-based
• Confidential and respectful
• Focused on care, reflection, and connection rather than debate or persuasion

This group will be guided by therapeutic principles but is not group therapy. If you are experiencing acute emotional distress you would be best supported by individual counselling/therapy.

We are running this initial group as a pilot and if there is enough interest we will run a regular, closed peer-support group.

You are welcome exactly as you are, whether you feel heartbroken, worried, conflicted, protective, exhausted, or simply in need of understanding.

Central Brighton venue. Details will be released to ticket holders on the day. 

Group facilitator

The group will be facilitated by Amber Redish a Brighton based counsellor and EMDR therapist.

Amber has 25 years experience of counselling, mediation, parent support and groupwork in various settings; including within local and rural charities and the public sector.

For the past 6 years she has worked solely as a counsellor in private practice; specialising in supporting autistic and neurodiverse adults, couples, and young people.