Gender-affirming service Anne raises £42,000 as applications open for free and subsidised trans healthcare
The funds were generated through Anne’s #CareForXmas campaign, launched to address growing barriers to trans healthcare access across the UK
By Callum Wells
A UK gender-affirming healthcare provider has raised more than £42,000 to fund free and subsidised treatment for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people facing financial hardship.
Anne, a not-for-profit digital healthcare service specialising in gender-affirming care, announced that its #CareForXmas fundraising campaign has raised almost three times its original £15,000 target.
Applications for subsidised care open at 7pm today (12 January) via anne.health.
A spokesperson for Anne said the response to the campaign had been overwhelming
The funds will be used to provide fully and partially subsidised memberships, giving recipients access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), essential blood tests, counselling, clinical monitoring and harm-reduction support.
The campaign was launched in response to ongoing pressure on NHS gender identity clinics across the UK. Tens of thousands of people are currently waiting for a first appointment, with some facing waits of many years. As a result, many trans people are forced to delay care, seek private treatment they cannot afford, or self-medicate without medical supervision.
Research suggests long NHS waiting times have had a significant impact on trans people’s mental health, with the majority reporting that delays have worsened their wellbeing.
In a statement, Anne said gender-affirming healthcare was “lifesaving care”.
“For many, it offers relief from years of distress, improves mental health, supports physical wellbeing and helps trans people participate in public life as their true selves,” the organisation said.
Applications for subsidised care through the #CareForXmas fund go live at 7pm tonight (12 January) at anne.health
The campaign received support from Paloma Faith, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Munroe Bergdorf, Jameela Jamil, Russell Tovey and F1NNSTER, alongside hundreds of individual donors who shared the campaign and contributed through Crowdfunder.
“Every single donation mattered,” Anne added. “Whether supporters gave £5 or shared the campaign with friends and followers, they helped break down barriers that prevent so many trans people from accessing the care they need.”
Anne will now open a new round of applications for funded memberships, prioritising trans people facing the greatest financial barriers. Funded care will continue for as long as recipients need support.
Applications for subsidised care through the #CareForXmas fund go live at 7pm tonight (12 January) at anne.health.
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