Gentle, structured space for neurodivergent, queer, and/or disabled adults to explore embodied consent, connection, and platonic touch

'My stress melted away - I felt myself coming back to presence, and feeling grounded and nurtured' – participant

Touch Connection is a Brighton Cuddle Space session to explore embodied consent and develop deeper connection with yourself and others.

We offer platonic touch -based structures and activities with lots of options so you can go at your own pace. Our intention is for you to remain in your comfort zone, during which you'll acknowledge and communicate desires for touch. Giving and receiving consent-based touch can help us co-regulate our nervous systems, which helps us relax and feel more at ease.

Integral to the session is practising and developing compassionate communication techniques for consent and boundary-setting. Everything is in choice, people are welcome as they are, and there is no expectation for anyone to do anything they don't want to.

This session is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council’s Fairness Fund, for neurodivergent, LGBTQI+, and/or disabled people. This is a trans-inclusive space. We aim to provide accessible, inclusive, and friendly sessions, and 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

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: Gather Brighton has a small ridge into the venue - indoors is fully-accessible.

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 queer & neurodivergent spaceholder

is a CPI-certified Cuddle Therapist

is a graduate of Eshana Spiers's Facilitator Training for Cuddles and Nervous System Regulation programme

is a community musician / trainer / mentor, and Action Learning Set facilitator

trained in-person with Musicians Without Borders in the Netherlands and 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

Description supplied by the event organiser.