Cuddle Gathering: connection to self and others

How great does hugs on a lazy Sunday afternoon sound! Gift yourself time and space to relax and feel nurtured in a welcoming environment with a sweet group of people. All genders and orientations - individuals, groups and couples - are all welcome.

Cuddle events are guided social experiences that includes a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercises and a description of cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in a cuddle space which is time to explore how you would like to connect in a caring thoughtful way. You can practice saying your no and yes, ask for what you desire, give offers for connection and respond to the invitations of others. Touch is non-sexual, always consensual and never a requirement to participate.

At Cuddle Gatherings you may experience an increased sense of well-being and belonging, a boost in compassion and playfulness, a decrease in blood pressure and a better night's sleep.

Cuddle Gatherings provide opportunities to meet new friends, connect with partners and pals in a soulful new way and be part of a warm, safe and huggable tribe. Please note that this is not a dating or singles event.

In Fitzroy there are plenty of things to do- you can visit the Rose Street Market before the event or grab dinner afterwards with plenty of options on Brunswick St.

*Cuddle Gatherings in Fitzroy have a capacity of up to 15 participants.*

IN THE MEDIA

A curious and insightful conversation about cuddling work with Jacinta Parsons, ABC Radio. Running time: 10 minutes.

How Do You Earn a Crust?

SCHEDULE

2.45 Doors open. Arrive and get settled. Change clothes if required.

3:00PM Event starts. Note: doors close at 3:05PM, no late arrivals allowed to enter.

3:00PM Opening Circle, relaxation activities, consent & communication exercises, cuddle etiquette, cuddle and connecton time

5:45PM Closing Circle

6:00PM Event Closes

WHAT TO WEAR?

Dress in clothes that are comfortable for snuggling. Soft, cozy pajamas, cotton t-shirts, trackpants, leggings are all welcome. Feel free to change clothes when you arrive. Hygiene is important at cuddles - be clean and fresh - it's easier to get close that way! Note: come free of perfumes, colognes, body spray, and cigarette smoke. Some people are sensitive to fragrances, and they may trigger allergies.

GUIDELINES

These guidelines are like the “etiquette of cuddling." We’ll go over all of them and answer any questions you have during the event. Here are some important ones:

• Agree to confidentiality. You will not discuss or share anyone else’s experience with others. You may share your own experience.
• This is a drug and alcohol free gathering. You need to arrive sober and maintain sobriety during the event. You may find yourself getting a natural high on oxytocin - often called the "hug hormone."
• There’s no touch required, and you can change your mind at any time.
• Respect the boundaries of others (ideally with enthusiasm).
• This is a non-sexual event so all behaviours and speech need to keep in alignment with that.
• Ask and Wait - if you want to touch someone, ask. Then wait for the answer.
• You can leave at any time.
• An understanding that if guidelines are not adhered to you may be asked to leave.

ARRIVE ON TIME

Once the opening circles begins, the doors close and no latecomers can enter. It is important for everyone to be present to get to know each other, and for the group agreements. This creates safety and comfort. If you are driving, allow plently of time to find a carpark.

SELF-CARE

As these are consensual touch events please make an assessment on whether you are feeling stable and resourced enough to explore the practices on offer. You need to be able to engage your own self-care and personal boundaries. As a consent and communication event, a good understanding of the English language is required. All events are non-sexual where touch is always optional, and never a requirement to participate.

Testimonial from a participant: "Felt so connected and relaxed. Really enjoyed it."

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATOR

Natasha Hund is compassionate and empathetic. As a certified cuddle professional, holistic counsellor and play specialist she has experience in touch to nurture, to help with co-regulation and to give comfort. She values the importance of touch and enjoys creating relaxed and nurturing spaces. Natasha enjoys giving and receiving hugs!

Natasha is a Certified Cuddle Event Leader, trained with Cuddle Sanctuary. She has also completed trainings with Cuddle Therapy Australia, Cuddle Professionals International and Like A Pro with the School of Consent.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Cuddle Event Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious About Gender Balancing

A Sanctuary for Safe Touch

Life Spirals

WHAT TO BRING?

You are welcome to bring your own pillow if you prefer, and your water bottle. There are cushions provided.

GETTING UP AND DOWN

The event space is covered with cushions on the floor and there is also seating available.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions you will find that mindfully reading the event description will usually help you to find your answer. You can also scroll down to the 'further information' section too. Due to time limitations individual questions can not always be responded to.

AGE

For ages18+yrs. Although a PG rated event, it is for adults only.

Ticketing T&Cs

Bookings are essential, no door sales.

Cancellations up to 72hrs before the event start time will receive a full refund. There is a strict no transfer to future events policy. Events that have a closed door at start time do not offer refunds to latecomers that are locked out and unable to attend the event.

There is no allowing of the on-selling of tickets to others. If you are unable to attend and wish to pass your ticket on to a friend or pay it forward contact the organiser prior so we can track who is at the event, and their contact information.

TRANSPORT

Participants are encouraged to use public transport.

Public transport: tram 11 on Brunswick Street, or tram 96 on Nicholson Street, then a short walk.

By car: street parking near the venue and allow time to find a park. If you need to move your car during the event you can do this any time after we have completed the welcoming circle. Some good car parking options information will be in your ticketing information emailed to you.

Arrival

Attendees are expected to arrive when doors open allowing time to settle in, and have a timely start. For the events that contain group guidelines and agreements there is a shut door policy of the door closing when the welcoming circle starts, and latecomers will not be able to enter. Participants are expected to aim to arrive before the event starts and take responsibility for their travel time. The group will not wait for latecomers.

Accessibility

This is a ground floor venue with no steps. There is access to a toilet in the venue (gender neutral), and access to an accessible toilet next door. The space has mats and cushions on the floor, and chairs available. If a support worker with a companion card is accompanying you please let the organiser know re numbers (card required to be presented on entry).

Sensory Guide

Sound: music at a low/medium volume, some people are quiet at events and some are chatty. Smell: possible smells from tea and snacks, people are asked to come fragrance free but the organiser cannot guarantee this. Touch: plushies and cushions with a variety of textures. Reminder that touch with others is always optional and not a requirement to participate. Lighting: natural lighting from the windows, and low lighting only used if necessary. You are welcome to bring your own sensory aids.

All cuddle events have a space where you can take a break.

Health

All attendees are required to be in good health without displaying signs and symptoms of illness (no runny noses, coughs, shivers, fevers, sore throats, sneezing, minimum of 48 hours after last episode of vomiting or diahorrea), or have any active infections. Attendees are expected to maintain good personal hygiene, and showering and freshening up before cuddle events is recommended.