Arcus Groups: Building Community, Confidence and Connection

Arcus Groups

Since launching our Arcus Groups in September 2025, they have gone from strength to strength. We started the groups to explore whether there was a need for safe, welcoming spaces for trans, non-binary and gender-questioning young people; and the response has been incredible (turns out there definitely was!).

Our groups meet monthly on Thursdays at our offices on the Docks and have quickly become a space where young people accessing our services can build community, feel secure and validated in their identity, and experience a real sense of belonging. We currently run two age groups: one for young people aged 11–15 and another for those aged 16–25. Groups are intentionally kept small, usually with around 4–5 young people attending, which helps everyone feel comfortable, included and able to connect more easily.

We have also been offering Arcus group to those on our waitlist, and this has been a fantastic way for them to begin building relationships with our youth workers before being formally allocated support. It is always lovely to hear young people say, “Oh! I know them, I met them at group,” because it helps remove those first-day nerves and awkward introductions.

An Arcus Group Session

Creating a Safe Community

One of the most important things about Arcus Groups is creating a space where young people can simply be themselves. Many young people who attend have never had the opportunity to meet other trans, non-binary or gender-questioning young people before, so being surrounded by people with similar experiences can be incredibly powerful.

The groups give young people a place where they feel listened to, respected and understood without fear of judgement. Whether someone wants to join in every conversation or just quietly sit and take things in at first, everyone is welcome at their own pace.

It has also been amazing to watch friendships naturally form over time. Conversations that may begin with “What games do you play?” somehow end an hour later with everyone laughing about inside jokes and debating which biscuits deserve more respect.

Arts, Crafts and Creative Chaos

A Young Person Drawing in an Arcus Session

Our groups are packed with creativity, and  arts and crafts activities have become a huge favourite. From painting and bracelet-making to decorating Pride-themed crafts, the sessions give young people a chance to express themselves in fun and creative ways.

Of course, no craft session would be complete without glitter appearing in places we are still discovering days later. We have accepted that glitter is now a permanent member of the Arcus Groups community.

Creative activities can also be a gentle way to encourage young people to open up and talk. Sometimes the best conversations happen while everyone is focused on painting, colouring or attempting to untangle craft supplies.

Exploring Identity and Pride

Exploring gender through drawing and making a version of your gender dysphoria

A big part of Arcus Groups is giving young people the opportunity to explore identity, community and self-expression in a supportive environment. We regularly discuss topics such as Pride, what it means to be trans or gender-questioning, and the importance of acceptance and visibility.

These conversations are always led in a relaxed and welcoming way, with plenty of opportunities for young people to ask questions, share experiences or simply listen and learn from one another.

We also celebrate individuality and encourage young people to embrace who they are, while reminding them that nobody has all the answers figured out immediately (even adults are still winging it half the time!).

Games, Activities and Lots of Laughing

No Arcus session would be complete without games and group activities. Whether it is team challenges, icebreaker games or spontaneous competitions that become far more intense than expected, there is always plenty of laughter involved.

The games are not just fun; they help young people build confidence, communication skills and friendships in a natural and relaxed way. Some young people arrive feeling nervous or unsure, but before long they are joining in, chatting away and becoming part of the group.

There is usually at least one moment every session where everyone is laughing so much that the activity has to pause completely while people recover.

Building Confidence and Connections

Preparing for an Arcus Group

Running these groups has truly been a dream come true. As many people may know, there is still very limited community support available specifically for trans and non-binary young people, meaning accessing support can often feel overwhelming or confusing.

Arcus Groups provide a space where young people can come together with others who share similar experiences, interests and goals, helping them realise they are not alone. It has been incredible to watch young people grow in confidence, support one another and build meaningful friendships.

Seeing these connections form and witnessing the sense of joy, understanding and acceptance within the groups has been incredibly special, and we are so proud of the community that is continuing to grow.

We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Arcus Groups, although we may need to invest in even more craft supplies and snacks first!