Brighton Cuddle Space: Saturday Snuggles
An afternoon of consensual platonic touch, for relaxation, connection, and nervous system co-regulation
Date and time
Location
Ochre House, Hove, UK
15a/b Cambridge Grove Brighton and Hove BN3 3ED United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
The central aim of this gentle, structured session is deep relaxation in community: nervous system regulation and co-regulation via consensual physical contact. This is an all-afternoon session, to drop more deeply into connection with yourself and others.
We provide as safe a space as possible: the intention is for you to remain in your comfort zone, during which you'll acknowledge and communicate desires for platonic touch.
Integral to the session is practising and developing compassionate communication techniques for consent and boundary-setting. Everyone is in choice and there is no expectation for anyone to do anything they don't want to.
We aim for this to be a kind and welcoming space - an inclusive, neurodivergent- / queer-friendly environment, for all genders. We welcome feedback and opportunities for our ongoing development.
What to expect:
- structured activities with options for different levels of platonic touch (including no touch) for connection with self and others
- optional cuddle puddle
- opening and closing circle
- tools offered for exploring and developing communication, consent, and boundary-setting
- kindness; listening; person- and group-centred environment
- trained, experienced facilitator (see below) and assistant
- clear and honoured timings
- integration time, and space for time out if required
- hot drinks, snacks
This is a drug- and alcohol-free event - ie: please do not drink alcohol or take non-prescribed drugs before attending.
The space is not currently fully accessible: Cambridge Grove is cobbled, and there is one step into the venue, and one step down to the main room.
Please see FAQs below for more details about the event.
More info about Brighton Cuddle Space: www.facebook.com/brightoncuddlespace
About the facilitator: Bela Emerson (she/they) is a highly-experienced and reflective neurodivergent spaceholder, community musician / trainer / mentor, and Action Learning Set facilitator.
Bela:
- is a CPI-certified Cuddle Therapist
- is a graduate of Eshana Spiers's Facilitator Training for Cuddles and Nervous System Regulation programme
- trained in-person with Musicians Without Borders in the Netherlands
- trained in-person with trauma therapist / musician Darren Abrahams
- has an enhanced DBS and is fully insured
- has regular therapy and supervision for self-resourcing and in order to support / hold space for others
Frequently asked questions
Platonic touch is non-sexual touch. We may consensually touch or cuddle in the space; this is based on friendship and kindness rather than on sex or romance. Brighton Cuddle Space is not a dating event.
You'll be greeted in a warm reception room and shown where you can make a hot drink. We'll make a group agreement, so that we understand the intention of the space. We'll explore some exercises together to aim to build trust between us. You can join in as you wish.
Yes. We will keep our clothes on during this session.
If you're looking for an inclusive space to connect with other people in a way that can involve consensual touch, then yes. Consensual touch helps regulate (calm) our nervous systems and can be achieved through practising verbal / non-verbal communication structures that we'll explore together.
Safety is at the heart of nervous system regulation - our team is experienced and trained in trauma-awareness / -attunement to support the group. As a group, participants are also required to be responsible for their own wellbeing, and to respect the stated boundaries of the other participants.
We have a maximum of 15 participants plus facilitator and assistant/s.
This is intended to be an inclusive and accessible session. If you feel you would benefit from coming along, can be in the space with gentleness and kindness, and are sensitive to others' needs then you are welcome.