01/10/2025
Saturday Snuggles is nearly full! Now's the time to book for this weekend's all-afternoon event in central Hove.
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'Togetherness, safety, rest, and connection... Lovely to explore different forms of touch and be welcomed so warmly and gently'
The central aim of this gentle, structured session is deep relaxation and connection with yourself and others: nervous system regulation (calming), and oxytocin release (feelings of wellbeing and belonging), via consensual physical contact.
We provide as safe a space as possible. The intention is for you to remain in your comfort zone, during which we’ll offer activities – both solo and in small groups – for you to acknowledge, communicate, discuss, and meet desires for platonic touch, based on bodily sensations.
Integral to the session is practising and developing compassionate communication techniques for consent and boundary-setting, so that trust builds gently in the group, and feeling safe to express ‘yes’s and ‘no’s.
Everyone is in choice, with lots of different options for involvement - and there is absolutely 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 for practising, exploring, and developing communication, consent, and boundary-setting
• kindness; listening; warmth, compassion; 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 on the Eventbrite event page 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 cuddle therapist, highly-experienced and reflective neurodivergent spaceholder, cellist, 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
Looking for more connection? Come to our consent-based, cello-led platonic touch sessions, for wellbeing, community, and nervous system regulation.
