A SOUTHAMPTON transgender charity is celebrating their success as their CEO marks two years at the helm.

Chrysalis, a charity tackling transgender isolation, greeted their new CEO Andi Maratos two years ago, where they had very few support groups and allies.

Now, they have 14 groups across Wessex and hundreds of allies.

Andi Maratos said: "The work is incredible - to see somebody walk into our session who is shy and won't look at you then for them to be so confident with themselves.

"It is the most rewarding feeling and that is why I have stayed all these years."

Andi was training to be a counsellor and did their work placement at Chrysalis - they loved it so much they decided to stay.

Andi added: "We have grown so much over the last few years and we are getting bigger and bigger.

"The world has changed."

Andi said the lottery funding Chrysalis received earlier in the year has helped massively and was able to fund more groups and more staff.

Andi had no celebrations for their two year anniversary as it was business as usual to give the best support possible.

Chrysalis has groups all over the Wessex region, including Warsash, Southampton and Bournemouth.

Their latest campaign is to #FlyTheTransFlag for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

The trans support charity is asking people across Hampshire to show their solidarity with the community by flying the pink and blue flag.

Chrysalis are always looking for more volunteers, if you are interested email info@chrysalis-gii.org or visit their website.

It is available for trans, non-binary and questioning people - as well as their families and friends.