Yesterday saw the launch of TENI’s TRANSforming Lives website, an initiative dedicated to promoting trans mental health.

The TRANSforming Lives campaign marks the nation’s first-ever  Trans Mental Health Week, which takes place from 24 – 30 October 2016.

Available statistics confirm the crucial need for mental health supports for trans-identified people.

TENI’s own Trans Mental Health & Well-being Survey: Self-harm & Suicide (2012), the largest survey on trans mental health, found high levels of suicide ideation and attempted suicide within transgender communities in Ireland.

The data revealed that 78% of trans people have thought about ending their lives and 40% have attempted suicide.

63% of respondents said they thought about attempting suicide in the last year, while an alarming 81% of respondents thought about or attempted suicide more before transition.

TENI have billed the TRANSforming Lives campaign as “a community initiative…driven by the trans community” and are encouraging people to show their support by taking part in some basic acts of solidarity.

Supporters of the campaign are asked to join TENI at the launch of Heads Up: Trans Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing which takes place tomorrow, Wednesday 26th October at 7pm at the Chocolate Factory.

The group also wants supporters to increase signal boost by sharing and retweeting TENI’s posts under the ‘#TRANSforminglives’ hashtag.

“Sharing things that strengthen our mental health helps us to learn how to take care of ourselves, throughout our lives,” reads a message from TENI director Broden Giambrone on the Transforming Lives landing page. “I hope that this online hub offers people support, resources, inspiration and a sense of connection.”

For a peek at the campaign and the groups supporting it, check out the TRANSforming Lives website.