Finding Strength Together

Jasmin Cartwright, Therapeutic Worker on Young Gloucestershire’s Arcus project, shares the inspiring story of Sarah and Alex. Through Arcus, this family received crucial support to navigate the challenges of gender identity, autism traits, and societal pressures, transforming their journey from uncertainty to confidence and connection.

“When we first met Sarah (names changed for anonymity), a single mum of two, life felt overwhelming. Her eldest child, Alex, was transitioning from female to male, and her youngest showed traits of autism. Sarah had been referred to our Arcus service by a family support worker but was sceptical about what we could offer. Like many parents navigating unfamiliar territory, her mental wellbeing was fragile, her confidence shaken, and her knowledge of the LGBTQIA+ community shaped by the noise of social media and anxiety-inducing news outlets.

“Sarah’s journey with Arcus began hesitantly. She admitted feeling lost—unsure how to support Alex while battling fears about bullying, school policies, and societal prejudice. Her fears were compounded by misinformation and a lack of reliable resources.

“Through the Arcus service, we worked together to empower Sarah. We helped her step away from overwhelming online sources and provided balanced, supportive materials to build her understanding. We explored ways she could support Alex now and into the future, breaking the challenges into manageable steps. Together, we reviewed school policies, ensuring Sarah felt equipped to advocate for Alex. In time, Sarah’s confidence blossomed. She facilitated a meeting with Alex’s future school, which led to a thoughtful support plan: 1:1 mentoring, safe space bathrooms, the flexibility to join PE sessions based on comfort, and pairing Alex with another transitioning student for peer support.

“At the same time, Alex was also receiving tailored support through Arcus. For the first time, he felt truly heard and validated.

“Before Arcus, I had no one to talk to about my gender,” Alex shared. “No one seemed to understand transphobia or how it affects me. But now, I feel listened to. I’ve learned to manage my feelings, stand up for myself, and just be me.”

“The change in the family was profound. For Sarah, the sessions provided a space to learn, ask questions, and connect with others who understood. For Alex, it was a chance to grow his confidence and embrace his identity. As Sarah explained,

‘The support has been incredible. It’s given us both the space we needed to understand and support each other better. We’re stronger as a family because of it.’

“Stories like Sarah and Alex’s remind us why we do what we do. The Arcus service isn’t just about providing information—it’s about helping families navigate the unknown, build bridges, and create a future where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.”