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THINC is a network for people who want to improve health and care for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, as well as those exploring their gender identity.
The Trans* Health Inclusion Network for Care (THINC) was launched in March 2024 in partnership between Healthwatch Suffolk and Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. It has now expended to reach a wider geography across the East of England.
The network is a working group of:
Transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people
People exploring their gender identity
Health and care professionals (primary care, secondary care, mental health care, and voluntary sector)
People over the age of 18 who need, access or provide services in the East of England who are:
Passionate for inclusion and accessibility
Ready to work together in co-production to improve services
Collectively responsible to develop and grow the network
THINC met monthly for 12 months in 2024-25 and will continue to communicate and collaborate to explore and make changes to improve health and care services. We aim to create a cultural shift to allow the genuine involvement of people with lived experience in shaping their care and support. It is part of a wider programme of work to improve services for the trans and non-binary community, including work with GP surgeries, hospital trusts, and the voluntary sector.
To join, please complete the short survey below.
Requesting a network meeting or communication Do you have a resource to share with the network, or wish to meet with the group for discussion about a particular topic to improve health and care services with the trans* community? Please contact us to discuss. The network is coordinated by Su Conquer, Senior Co-production Lead at Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board: su.conquer@nhs.net 07729 826502
Our resources Our network has worked together to produce two key resources available. They are attached as documents to this page and also in print - Please be in touch to request copies!
A Grab Sheet for health and care professionals to support inclusive language, 'dos' and 'don'ts' - this is designed to be printed in colour double sided.
A lanyard - with and without a neck-break.
For more information about THINC, please contact Su: su.conquer@nhs.net 07729 826502
THINC is a network for people who want to improve health and care for transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people, as well as those exploring their gender identity.
The Trans* Health Inclusion Network for Care (THINC) was launched in March 2024 in partnership between Healthwatch Suffolk and Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board. It has now expended to reach a wider geography across the East of England.
The network is a working group of:
Transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming people
People exploring their gender identity
Health and care professionals (primary care, secondary care, mental health care, and voluntary sector)
People over the age of 18 who need, access or provide services in the East of England who are:
Passionate for inclusion and accessibility
Ready to work together in co-production to improve services
Collectively responsible to develop and grow the network
THINC met monthly for 12 months in 2024-25 and will continue to communicate and collaborate to explore and make changes to improve health and care services. We aim to create a cultural shift to allow the genuine involvement of people with lived experience in shaping their care and support. It is part of a wider programme of work to improve services for the trans and non-binary community, including work with GP surgeries, hospital trusts, and the voluntary sector.
To join, please complete the short survey below.
Requesting a network meeting or communication Do you have a resource to share with the network, or wish to meet with the group for discussion about a particular topic to improve health and care services with the trans* community? Please contact us to discuss. The network is coordinated by Su Conquer, Senior Co-production Lead at Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board: su.conquer@nhs.net 07729 826502
Our resources Our network has worked together to produce two key resources available. They are attached as documents to this page and also in print - Please be in touch to request copies!
A Grab Sheet for health and care professionals to support inclusive language, 'dos' and 'don'ts' - this is designed to be printed in colour double sided.
A lanyard - with and without a neck-break.
For more information about THINC, please contact Su: su.conquer@nhs.net 07729 826502
Suffolk and North East Essex Trans* Health Inclusion Network for Care (SNEE THINC)
SNEE THINC is a network aimed at improving health and care for transgender, non-binary, and gender-questioning individuals in Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE).
The network includes transgender and non-binary people, those exploring their gender identity, and health and care professionals. In 2024-25 the network grew to 50 members, including representatives from various sectors such as community-led groups, voluntary organisations, GPs and primary care providers, hospital trusts, staff networks, Healthwatch and higher education. Monthly meetings were held and we used the 'Let’s Talk SNEE' online platform for safe communication and information sharing.
Achievements
Co-produced our name Trans* Health Inclusion Network for Care ‘SNEE THINC’.
Gained a shared understanding of the systemic problems and where we can make changes locally.
Worked through solutions that will improve services for transgender, non-binary and gender-questioning people.
Supported people from the transgender community to have a voice, share ideas, and feel heard.
Gave confidence to health and care professionals so they felt supported and that they can make a difference.
Mapped complex health and care pathways from primary care, screening and gender-affirming surgeries.
Identified and gained a shared understanding of health inequalities faced by the community, and the challenges faced by transgender patients and health and care professionals in delivering equitable care.
Solutions and Progress
Creation of a safe and nurturing space for discussion and co-production for continued work.
Co-design of the pilot GP local enhanced service (LES) offer, including staff training and the patient evaluation tool.
Continue to partner with organisations across the SNEE Integrated Care System and beyond, as a unique asset and resource.
Advisors on accessible and inclusive policy and process.
Co-design and distribution of a grab-sheet to support professionals for easy reference.
Co-design and distribution of a lanyard for professionals and community members to show their support and allyship.
Published an online signposting website, for community support, including the offer of a funded anxiety management course and individual counselling with Suffolk Mind.
Shared information and contributed to local and national resources, policy, and research.
SNEE THINC will continue to contribute to equitable health and care in Suffolk and North East Essex, and welcome more members and agenda items for group discussion and co-production.
If you were a member of SNEE THINC, no matter how little or often you contributed, please continue!
