Trans & non-binary support in Blackpool

Blackpool has one of the longest-running trans support networks in the North of England. A trans support group has met in the town for many years, and today there are groups for trans men, trans women and parents, a free drop-in for anyone on the gender clinic pathway, and an NHS sexual health clinic just for trans and gender-diverse people. Here's what is on offer.

Peer support groups in Blackpool

Most of Blackpool's trans groups meet on Tuesday evenings. Contact them before your first visit; it helps organisers welcome you properly.

Lancashire Lads: for trans men

A support group exclusively for trans men, meeting on the second Tuesday of each month, 6pm to 8pm, at the LGBTQ+ health centre at 102 Dickson Road. Get in touch beforehand through the centre on 01253 311431.

TransInclusion: for trans women and feminine gender-diverse people

A peer-led group that meets monthly on a Tuesday. Contact the Dickson Road centre on 01253 311431 for the venue and time.

The long-running trans support group

Blackpool's original trans support group has met for many years at a guesthouse at the quieter North Shore end of Dickson Road, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with meetings and socials. It welcomes trans people of all ages and identities, and its social evenings have drawn people from across the country. Overnight stays have been available at the host guesthouse. Check it is still meeting before you travel.

Blackpool Allies

A relaxed social for LGBT+ people and supporters, on the first and third Tuesday of each month, 6pm to 8pm, at the Dickson Road centre. You don't need to identify in any particular way to come along.

The gender outreach drop-in at the library

If you are waiting for, thinking about or already receiving care from the NHS gender identity service that covers Lancashire, you can get free advice from gender outreach workers. They work with the county LGBTQ+ charity and the Leeds and York NHS gender service.

• Blackpool drop-in: a free lunchtime drop-in at Blackpool Central Library on Queen Street, usually on a Thursday from 12pm to 2pm. Dates are published on the county charity's monthly calendar. No appointment is needed.
• Information and advice line: 0800 183 1486, Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm. Family members, friends and professionals can call too.
• One-to-one support by video, phone or in person, covering practical advice on the pathway and your own needs. Email genderoutreachworker.lypft@nhs.net.
• Groups: a monthly in-person trans and non-binary group runs in Preston, plus online groups, including one for trans masculine people.

The Phoenix Clinic: sexual health for trans and gender-diverse people

The NHS runs the Phoenix Clinic, a free sexual and reproductive health clinic just for trans and gender-diverse people. In Blackpool it meets on the second Wednesday evening of each month at Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Drive. It offers:

• STI testing and treatment
• PrEP, PEP and doxy-PEP
• Hepatitis A and B testing and vaccination, HPV and MenB vaccines
• Cervical screening for anyone over 25 with a cervix
• Contraception and emergency contraception
• Peer support

Its records are kept separately from your GP record. Book on 0300 1234 154, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

The Dickson Road charity's free postal condom service is also open to trans and non-binary people aged 16 and over living in Blackpool or Lancashire.

Support for parents and families

• Transparent is a monthly meet-up in Blackpool for parents of trans children and adults. Email hello@lancslgbt.org.uk for the venue and date.
• A family support group for parents and relatives of LGBT young people is run by a Blackpool youth organisation (see our young people page).
• Mermaids runs a national helpline for gender-diverse young people and their families on 0808 801 0400.

Young trans people

A Blackpool youth organisation runs a trans-only group for young people, as well as LGBT youth groups across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. Call 01253 344398 or email lgbt@urpotential.co.uk.

Health research that's changing services

In March 2025 the first trans and gender-diverse health needs assessment in the North West was published for Lancashire. The county LGBTQ+ charity was an official partner and Blackpool's public health team helped lead the work. Its recommendations focus on making the world bigger and safer for trans people, celebrating positive stories, designing inclusion into services, and building a confident, inclusive workforce. The Rainbow Quarter action plan also commits to a needs assessment for trans and gender-diverse residents.

A welcoming church

Blackpool's LGBTQ+ inclusive church says plainly that people do not need to change or deny their gender identity to have a relationship with God, and that transitioning does not disqualify anyone from faith. See our faith page.

Practical tips

• Many venues in the Rainbow Quarter are trans-friendly, but if a venue or service treats you badly you can report it. See our hate crime page.
• Your GP can refer you to a gender identity clinic. Waiting times are long, so the outreach drop-in is a good place to get advice while you wait.

Group times and venues can change, so check before you go.