Snuggle Party

International Lazy Day exists! No one knows who started it, and rumour has it they were too lazy to document it. The day itself is on the 10th but I'm soooo lazy it's taken me over a week to get to celebrating it. We embrace lazy in cuddle events: slow, relaxing, inactive, slothful. Come join us, if you can be bothered. Pyjamas and cosy clothes are encouraged, no effort required in dressing up.

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.

ABOUT CUDDLE EVENTS

Cuddle events are guided social experiences that includes a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercises and a description of cuddle etiquette. The first section of the event is often described as a mini consent workshop. The event culminates in a cuddle space which is time to explore how you would like to connect. You can use this time in a caring thoughtful way with a great bunch of people. 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.

Testimonial from a participant: "Amazing info about consent and clarity in explaining exercises."

At the Snuggle Party 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.

Snuggle parties 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.

*This is a group event with a maximum of 25 participants. The address information in at the bottom of your ticket.*

SCHEDULE

1:00PM Arrive and get settled. Change clothes if required. Note: doors close at 1:20PM, no late arrivals will be allowed to enter.

1:20PM Opening circle, relaxation activities, consent and communication exercises, cuddle etiquette

2:00 Cuddle space and connection time

4:45PM Closing Circle

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.
• An understanding that if guidelines are not adhered to you may be asked to leave.

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

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?

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.

WHO ARE THEY FOR

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, personal boundaries and be respectful of other people and the space. You need to possess good interpersonal skills and have an ability to maintain friendships. Events are inclusive with people attending of all genders, orientations and ablilities. As a consent and communication event, an excellent understanding of the English language is required.

WHO THEY ARE NOT FOR

As a group social event individual needs cannot always be supported. They are not suitable for people who's mental health is not stable or who's trauma is too close to the surface. Although events can at times feel therapeutic, this is not a group therapy event.

ABOUT YOUR FACILITATORS

Natasha Hund:

Tash 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!

Tash 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.

Lifespirals

FURTHER INFORMATION

Cuddle Event Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious About Gender Balancing

A Sanctuary for Safe Touch

Life Spirals

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 very senitive to fragrances, and they may trigger allergies.

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 couch 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. People attend of all ages, and you will usually find people of a similar age there. Often, we have experienced age segregation especially in schooling but cuddle events embrace intergenerational connection. Think of it as meeting people in your village.

TRANSPORT

B y car: easy free street parking near the venue

P ublic transport: trams 70 & 75 stop within easy walking distance, and Camberwell train station an approximate 20min walk.

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.

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

Entry is via the garage and there are 2 sets of 3 steps to enter. An alternative ground floor entry is available with no steps, contact the organiser if you need this option. Unfortunately the corridor is too narrow to allow wheelchairs/walkers. The cuddle events in Fitzroy use an accessible space (for cuddle events every alternate month), so this is an option for wheelchair users. 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). The toilet is gender neutral.

SENSORY GUIDE

Sound: music at a low/medium volume, some people are quiet at events and some are chatty. Sound baths volume varies depending on instuments used and can give a sense of being enveloped by the sound, you are welcome to bring noise cancelling ear devices if you prefer. 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, and assortment of fidgets. 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.