# data[].attributes.headline
Bolton MHST Referral & Consultation Pathway

# data[].attributes.subject
Bolton MHST Referral & Consultation Pathway

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bolton MHST Consultation and Referral Pathway

# data[].attributes.headline
Safety Advice for Children/ Young People

# data[].attributes.subject
Safety Advice for Children/ Young People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A guide for Young People - Self Harm Booklet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bolton MHST Consultation and Referral Form schools docx V2 Final

# data[].attributes.headline
External Services Contacts from Bolton MHST

# data[].attributes.subject
External Services Contacts from Bolton MHST

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
CYP Mental Health Directory for Professionals

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A guide for Parents & Carers - Self Harm Booklet (2)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bolton MHST Guide for Schools V9 - July 2026

# data[].attributes.headline
Collect Parent & Teacher SDQs (7yrs and below)

# data[].attributes.subject
Collect Parent & Teacher SDQs (7yrs and below)

# data[].attributes.headline
Collect Child/ Young Person RCADs (8yrs+)

# data[].attributes.subject
Collect Child/ Young Person RCADs (8yrs+)

# data[].attributes.headline
SDQ Information for Teachers, Parents and Children.

# data[].attributes.subject
SDQ Information for Teachers, Parents and Children.

# data[].attributes.headline
RCADs Information for Teachers, Parents and Children/ Young People.

# data[].attributes.subject
RCADs Information for Teachers, Parents and Children/ Young People.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
1. Introduction to Bolton MHST V5 - July 2026

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This session is aimed at a universal audience and provides the background to self harm in children and teenagers, common associated conditions and the optimal approach to managing it in the community.

# data[].attributes.headline
Suicide Prevention Education and Training (information and links)

# data[].attributes.subject
Suicide Prevention Education and Training (information and links)

# data[].attributes.headline
Emotionally Based School Avoidance Resource

# data[].attributes.subject
Emotionally Based School Avoidance Resource

# data[].attributes.headline
Anna Freud: Senior Mental Health Lead Training

# data[].attributes.subject
Anna Freud: Senior Mental Health Lead Training

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Online training courses for senior mental health leads, helping you develop a sustainable whole-school approach to mental health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are the UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, we have been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity - an integrated health and education service.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BITESIZE CPD | School Anxiety/EBSA - Starting the Day Well

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how your school or college can apply for a grant and access training to help develop a whole school or college approach to mental health and wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Primary School Cluster Project Presentation for Launch Event

# data[].attributes.headline
Referrals, School Allocations & Participation (27.01.2025)

# data[].attributes.subject
Referrals, School Allocations & Participation (27.01.2025)

# data[].attributes.headline
Wellbeing Drop In (11yrs+) at Bolton Lads & Girls Club - (First Tuesdays of the Month)

# data[].attributes.subject
Wellbeing Drop In (11yrs+) at Bolton Lads & Girls Club - (First Tuesdays of the Month)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sexuality and mental health | Understanding Your Sexuality

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sexuality and mental health – sexuality is the way you describe sexual, emotional and physical feelings or attractions you have towards another person.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is gender identity?

Your gender identity is how you describe your gender. For example, you might say you are a woman, non-binary, transgender, a man, gender fluid, or something different. Your gender identity is your decision and is also about how you want others to treat you - for example, how you want people refer to you ('she', 'him', 'they' or something else).

Gender is different from 'sex'. Your sex refers to your physical and biological body parts (like the penis, vagina, different hormones or breasts).

Over time, you might explore your gender and you might decide that you are a different gender than the sex you were born with. You might explore your gender at any point in your life, or continuously throughout your life, but it is common to do so during puberty when your hormones are changing and you're exploring lots of different parts of who you are.

Here are some different words people use when talking about gender identity

You may use something else to describe your gender. For more information about the different terms and gender identities, visitStonewall.

Differences in sex development/intersex

Differences in sex development (DSD), sometimes known as intersex, is an umbrella term for over 40 biological conditions that affect a person's sex development. This can include differences on the inside of your body and on the outside. It can be things like differences in the development of sex chromosomes, some hormones or the reproductive organs or genitals (the penis or vagina).

People with a DSD/intersex people develop in many different ways. Some might not have periods or be able to have their own children, while others may look different in their build or how they grow. But having a DSD is no different from having a variation of any other part of the body. No one body is the same and we are all unique.

Sometimes, when you are born intersex, differences in how your genitals look could be a sign of a serious medical condition. When this happens, a parent/carer might think about surgery as an option. In the UK, it's likely that surgery will only be considered if there is a medical need for it, not simply because you look 'different'. And even in these cases, adults/carers might be encouraged to wait until you are old enough to be involved in any decisions about surgery yourself. Just like any other part of the body, the care that you receive should always be based on the best available evidence and the impacts it could have on you.

Whether you have had surgery or not, having a DSD could mean you have a complicated relationship with your body. As with any other part of the body, a difference in your appearance or how your body works could have a big impact on how you see yourself. This can be very difficult but remember that support is out there to help you work through these experiences and live a happy and fulfilled life.

If you are intersex/have a DSD, knowing more about your condition may help you to feel more confident in your body. You can find out more about specific DSDs through the organisation dsdteens.

I have known since birth that I have what is called a Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS). Having this condition, for me, is as normal as the fact that I was born with brown hair and green eyes.

If you're a young person with a DSD, you might feel lonely, like people are judging you, or like you are being treated differently from everyone else. This can be especially difficult if your DSD is not openly talked about. But you are not alone.

If you are experiencing any of these feelings, it's important to remember that you are not alone. Sex development happens to everybody but everyone has a different experience of it. There are others like you with a DSD and hearing their stories can help you to feel less alone.

If you need support with living with a DSD or if you want to find out more, take a look at these organisations and services that have information and advice to help you:

Having a DSD/being intersex does not define your gender identity. An intersex person may identify as male, as female, as non-binary or however they choose.

Some people prefer to use the term 'variations of sex development' (VSD) while others prefer to use 'intersex' or 'DSD'. It is your choice how you refer to your own DSD and your choice if you want to talk about it or keep it private.

If you're struggling with how you're feeling about a DSD/being intersex, know that your feelings are totally valid. Having a DSD might make you feel different from other people and it can be hard if you feel like your DSD isn't being recognised, but there are people that can help you find the support you need.

Meet Anick, a young activist who shares his story of being intersex. Trigger warning: talk of suicide, surgery and blood.

I didn't know people could be so accepting of something which I was hiding for so long.

Anick Soni, The Intersex Diaries, BBC Radio 1

From a young age, I struggled with food. Puberty was a traumatic time because my body began changing in ways that felt completely at odds with how I saw myself. It led to me developing gender dysphoria and becoming severely anxious, withdrawn, and depressed.

Unfortunately, some people experience bullying, hostility or discrimination if their gender identity is not similar to the people around them. Experiencing this, or hearing about these experiences from others can mean there may be times or places where you don't feel comfortable or safe sharing or expressing your gender.

My gender identity also affected my mental health, because at first I just felt really, really confused, and it left me feeling like I was incomplete.

Having these experiences, particularly if they are on a regular basis, can be extremely distressing and overwhelming. You might start avoiding places or making conscious decisions about everyday things that others don't need to think about.

Constantly carrying these emotions and making these decisions can be exhausting, and you may find it makes everyday tasks like eating, concentrating at school/work, engaging in conversation, or getting good sleep very difficult. You may also find it leads to feelings of:

If you are experiencing any of the above, it's important to know you are not alone. There are people who can help you and things can get better. There are helplines, therapists, counsellors and mental health professionals you can talk to who understand what you're going through.

If you have experienced bullying, discrimination, or verbal or physical abuse because of your gender, you can report it as a hate crime.

If you need urgent help and are experiencing a mental health crisis, you should contact a helpline service on our urgent help page.

It may seem hard to believe, but things can change for society and for you. There are many people working hard every day to make society a more equal place for LGTBQIA+ people. You deserve to be who you are freely and without fear.

Our Activists share their advice if you're struggling with your mental health and gender identity.

Labels can be useful as a way to understand more about yourself and help others understand your experience of gender, however there is no rush to have a label so don't feel like you need to find one immediately.

Looking after your mental health while exploring your gender identity: Jasmine's story

Because of this idea that it's not socially acceptable for men to cry or show vulnerability, it can come across like men just don't experience sadness. Although this obviously isn't true, if you never see other men cry or show vulnerability, it can make you feel like an anomaly if you do feel sadness.

Toxic masculinity and mental health: Luke's story

More on looking after yourself

More tips, advice and information on looking after yourself.

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If you are in crisis right now and want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gender and Mental Health | Support and Advice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your experiences with your gender may affect your mental health. For some, this can be a confusing or difficult time - we have some tips and advice to help.

# data[].attributes.headline
Young Minds: Young People's personal experiences around accepting sexuality.

# data[].attributes.subject
Young Minds: Young People's personal experiences around accepting sexuality.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
My Mental Health and Accepting My Sexuality | Blog

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our Activist, Charlotte, shares how she struggled with mental health and accepting her sexuality, and discusses LGBTQ+ representations in the media.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Empower Parents Drop in Poster February - April 2026

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
School Cluster - Participation Presentation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
School & College Cluster Project 25.02.26 WSCA

# data[].attributes.headline
Bolton Mental Health Support Team School Allocations

# data[].attributes.subject
Bolton Mental Health Support Team School Allocations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bolton MHST WSA Menu 2025 to 2026 (Primary)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bolton MHST WSA Menu 2025 to 2026 (Secondary)

# data[].attributes.headline
Introduction to Bolton MHST Barrier to Education (10.05.2026)

# data[].attributes.subject
Introduction to Bolton MHST Barrier to Education (10.05.2026)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Bolton MHST SCCP Introduction to Bolton MHST Barrier to Education BTE

# data[].attributes.headline
Toolkit - removing barriers to school attendance

# data[].attributes.subject
Toolkit - removing barriers to school attendance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Toolkit - Primary - Removing barriers to school attendance

# data[].attributes.headline
Toolkit - Primary removing barriers to school attendance

# data[].attributes.subject
Toolkit - Primary removing barriers to school attendance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Toolkit - Secondary - Removing barriers to school attendance

# data[].attributes.headline
Removing barriers to school attendance guidance

# data[].attributes.subject
Removing barriers to school attendance guidance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Removing Barriers to School Attendance Guidance 2025

# data[].attributes.headline
Primary: Lets Talk Healthy Relationships

# data[].attributes.subject
Primary: Lets Talk Healthy Relationships

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Let’s talk about healthy relationships: friendships and conflict

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A four-part lesson series and additional resources to help pupils aged 10 to 11 explore healthy friendships, emotional wellbeing and conflict resolution.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Top tips for making friends : Mentally Healthy Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Advice for children on forming and developing friendships.

# data[].attributes.headline
Primary: Building Connections Lesson Plan

# data[].attributes.subject
Primary: Building Connections Lesson Plan

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Building connections: Year 6 lesson plan : Mentally Healthy Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This lesson from Public Health England supports Year 6 pupils to understand that it's normal to feel lonely, and that there are strategies they can use to safely build connections with family, friends and their community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
My self-care plan: secondary and FE : Mentally Healthy Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This resource walks young people through a series of steps, helping them create a detailed self-care plan that works for them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A PSHE lesson resource for students aged 12 to 14 exploring the features of healthy relationships and how to recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours.

# data[].attributes.headline
Staff: Online Self-Help Tool for School Staff

# data[].attributes.subject
Staff: Online Self-Help Tool for School Staff

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online self-help tool for school staff : Mentally Healthy Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This free tool, approved by the NHS, offers customised self-help suggestions following a brief quiz about your emotions and experiences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Self-care summer for education staff | Mentally Healthy Schools

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explore a guidance booklet and poster to help education staff build self-care habits over summer and support mental health and wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.headline
30th July 2026: International Day of Friendship.

# data[].attributes.subject
30th July 2026: International Day of Friendship.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
International Day of Friendship: What's it all about?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Today is International Day of Friendship - a day to shout out your best buds and favourite pals! Tell us what you LOVE about your friends...