This all-day conference is equivalent to 5 CPD learning hours and is aimed at professionals working in mental health or pastoral roles/teams who are supporting gender diverse young people. The day will provide attendees with an overview of the presentation of gender identity issues in adolescents along with possible treatment pathways. It will also give the opportunity for attendees to expand their knowledge of specialist services provided by Leeds Tavistock GIDS clinic with a chance for discussion in relation to dilemmas of working in the area.

About the Day

The Yorkshire Branch presents an all-day conference led by clinicians from The Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service, Leeds Base. This event will combine more formal presentations with chances for questions and case discussion. The focus will be on the interface between community services and specialist support and how those working in community services can best support adolescents who are exploring their gender. The Yorkshire Branch Committee Meeting will also take place during the day, giving attendees a chance to contribute their ideas and become actively involved in further CPD events locally.

Learning Outcomes

• An introduction to the Gender Identity Development Service and their approach, and how other teams can work alongside this specialist service.
• Considering different trajectories and possible treatment pathways when working with gender diverse youth.
• An opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and dilemmas of working with gender diverse youth within the current socio-political context.

About the Speakers

Dr Tom Matthews, Clinical Psychologist, The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

Tom has worked in the Gender Identity Development Service since qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist. Tom has worked with young people to support them around their psychological wellbeing throughout his career, and this has included working within both generic and specialist CAMHS teams. Tom continues to work in Bradford CAMHS alongside his work in GIDS. Tom has an interest in participation and considering ways to hear the voices and experiences of young people, particularly those who are ‘socially marginalised’, such as looked-after young people. A systemic and social constructionist stance underpins much of Tom’s work which has been well-matched to his work in GIDS, as well as drawing on ‘third wave’ CBT approaches to support young people who are exploring their gender, and their families.

Dr Jo Charsley, Clinical Psychologist, The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

Jo has worked at the Gender Identity Development Service since October 2015, initially as a Psychologist in Clinical Training before returning in November 2016 as a qualified Clinical Psychologist. She additionally works part-time in Bradford CAMHS in the Looked After and Adopted Children’s team. Jo’s clinical work at GIDS is informed by systemic ideas, personal construct psychology and compassion-focussed approaches. She has a particular interest in service development, and has co-developed a new service pathway for older adolescents who are referred to GIDS. Jo is also part of a working group looking at developing a range of visual resources to support those who are referred to the service with additional learning needs.