Parents of trans teenager call for better support

Jason Pulman took his own life in 2022

The parents of a transgender teenager who took his own life have called for more support for children and families awaiting care.

A jury inquest in April found systemic failures by a range of services supporting Jason Pulman could have contributed to his death.

The 15-year-old was found dead in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, on 19 April 2022.

His mother, Emily Pulman, said: "They need so much more resources and not to have one appointment that's years away."

An inquest jury has concluded that failings in Jason's care could have contributed to his death

She said: "There needs to be regular input with these kids, so it's not just about their gender, it's about their mental health overall."

Jason's stepfather, Mr Pulman, said: "We want to change the system and we want to change it for the families because it's a very lonely, isolating place to be when you think you're the only person whose child is going through this."

Jason, who was born a girl, was referred to the Gender Identity Development Service in London in February 2020.

After following up in October 2020, Jason was told there was a 26-month wait for his first appointment.

Jurors heard how Jason became increasingly frustrated at the wait and Mr Pulman noted he appeared to have "given up".

Mrs Pulman said: "I know it broke Jason. Jason struggled so much with the wait."

'Belief and support'

Data obtained by the Press Association showed there were 5,769 children on the national waiting list at the end of May for gender care.

Mr Pulman believes the numbers are "hugely underestimated".

He said: "I hope that these families are given faster responses, are given emotional support."

But he said: "I don't want people to think transgender and suicide are the same thing, because they're not. I don't want people to automatically be fearful."

He said they were doing what Jason would have wanted, which was to support other people.

The couple have urged other families to continue to talk, go for walks and meet others going through the same thing for coffee.

Mr Pulman said: "If your child feels that [they are transgender] then you've got to believe them and support them."

Regarding NHS care, he said: "Take charge of the system, don't let the system take charge of you. Be on the phone, email them, push for more information.

"Never take it on face value that this [appointment] is going to be the answer to your problems. Because there’s going to be more support needed, like counselling for the whole family.”

It is understood the NHS plan for implementing the Cass recommendations on gender services is expected to be published soon.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said children and young people who are questioning their gender identity have “for too long” struggled to get the necessary support.

He added: “We are working with NHS England to transform gender identity services to tackle waiting times and ensure everyone receives holistic care, guided by clinical experts, paediatricians and psychologists.”

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