
SNEE THINC - a year in review
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!