UK - 8 Months in, Charring Cross never got referral!? Advice?

[Takoto]

Hey all, I really need some advice! After waiting 8 months to hear back from Charring Cross, I decided on a spur of the moment thing it'd be good to ask if they actually ever got my referral, sent out by the Brighton Mental Health team. Turns out nope, they didn't, they never received anything. (Despite the Dr from the Mental Health Team saying they'd check up and make sure Charring Cross got the letter!)

I've phoned up the person who referred me, her secretary said they'll send out the referral again- both by post and Fax, just encase. But now I have to wait another 14 months, to even hear back. I know everyone does, but I've been sitting here for 8 months thinking all was well. I feel kind of dead

inside right now and like I've lost all hope. Does anyone have any advice? I'm really not feeling life right now.
Some people suggested I try changing my referral to the Laurels in Exeter, but sadly I live pretty far away, with no car. I'm at University, and both here and my home town are much, much closer to London. I can't go private, the only money I earn comes from infrequent art commissions.
Looking for any advice at all!

[cathyrains]

My understanding of the health system in the UK is that you can request copies of your medical records although it may require a small administrative fee. If your doctor sent a referral, there should be a copy in your records, no?

[Takoto]

My understanding of the health system in the UK is that you can request copies of your medical records although it may require a small administrative fee. If your doctor sent a referral, there should be a copy in your records, no?

They did tell me they had a record of when it was sent out (back in June 2014), but I'm not sure if the copy they've sent to CX is marked with that date or not. I'll phone them tomorrow/Tuesday and ask.

[Peacebone]

I contacted my GP to ask to be referred to Nottingham GIC. It has 6 months wait (I was on the Leeds waiting list which is 3 years).

Is that at all convenient? I mean obviously it's really far... But maybe you could megabus it?

Are there any local trans* support groups who have funds to help people? I know in my city, some people do fundraisers for health care.