Mermaids
Individual and Family ServicesEngland, United Kingdom51-200 Employees
Mermaids is a UK-based charity in the Individual and Family Services sector that supports transgender and gender variant children and young people, their families, and professionals who work with them. The organization offers a range of services, including helpline and email support, online forums for parents and teens, training for schools and social services, residential family weekends, local groups across eight locations, and advocacy work with national bodies, conferences, and LGBT events. Through advisory liaison with agencies such as the EHRC and DfE, Mermaids aims to identify and address poor practice while raising awareness of transgender and gender-diverse issues. Founded in 1995, Mermaids operates across the United Kingdom and has supported thousands of families, as well as hundreds of professionals who work with young people. Its activities encompass direct support to individuals, professional development, and public engagement, reflecting its role within the broader spectrum of services for gender-diverse youth. A recent development includes partnerships and leadership changes within the organization, illustrating ongoing adaptation in its governance and collaborative efforts.