Cuddles & Consent

During Cuddles & Consent you will learn about consent, with activities to practice setting boundaries, identifying and expressing what you really want, and hearing “no” as a gift instead of rejection. After learning these tools and creating a space focused on authentic choice, we move into a free-form cuddle party.

Aside from learning healthy communication skills, physical contact plays a vital role in our physical and psychological health. It's been scientifically proven that people who get more hugs have stronger immune systems. Cuddling releases oxytocin which eases stress/anxiety, lowers your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure, and helps you get a better night's sleep.

What if there was a safer space where you could feel comfortable getting these hugs and cuddles?

On Sunday, October 20th, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, we invite you to join Cuddles & Consent's twentieth workshop.

NOTE: The location on this eventbrite page is NOT the actual location, but it's nearby. The actual private address will be sent to you a week before the event.

Limited spaces are available.

We celebrate warmth, self-advocacy, and genuine connection. Engage in activities that empower you to express your desires, embody deeper consent practices, and honor your own needs while respecting others.

What to expect

At 6:30 PM doors will open, and we'll start at 7:00 PM sharp. We will have drinks, snacks, and sweets (see pic below). You will learn about consent, be guided through activities to practice setting boundaries, identifying and expressing what you really want, and hearing “no” as a gift instead of rejection. We will also go over the agreements for the space.

After learning these tools and creating a space focused on authentic choice, we move into a free-form open cuddle.

Some agreements we will cover during the event include:

• No touching with the intent to arouse – This is a completely non-sexual environment.
• Ask for help if you need it – We will have guides there to facilitate safety and comfort, and they are always available to talk to.
• Consent is required – In this space, informed consent means we encourage very specific requests, and we'll help you practice this.
• "Yes" is a yes and "Maybe" is a no – We foster an environment where you listen to your body, and we encourage you to honor any part of you that is a no.
• You're encouraged to change your mind at any time – If at any point you are uncomfortable (due to soreness, energy, or any reason) we encourage you to do something else. We will provide prompts every 15 minutes to make it easier for you to change positions, change partners, or take a break.

Do I have to cuddle with everyone/anyone?

No, all touch is optional, even in the guided activities. If you don't meet anyone you'd like to cuddle with, you don't need to. You aren't required to touch or cuddle with anyone. There will also be a separate non-cuddling social space with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. We ask that you not make any touch requests in that space, so that area is available for anyone who wants to take a break.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing is recommended, and if you want to bring some pajamas to change into you can change in the bathroom. Please consider wearing clothes that cover your body, as cuddling can be more accessible and feel safe to more people when there is less skin-to-skin contact.

Will photography be allowed?

No. The only exception to the rule is that in the last 5 minutes you'll be invited into a big cuddle puddle for some photos at the end. You can choose whether you want to be in the photos or not, and it will only be for marketing for the event.

What should I bring?

You are welcome to bring additional pillows and blankets, though we have some on-site.

A note on personal hygiene

We encourage everyone to be clean, fresh, and not wear any perfume or other strong scents (some people are sensitive or even allergic to strong smells).

What if I arrive late (after 7:00 PM)?

Please arrive between 6:30 and 7:00 PM. Starting at 7:00 PM, we will cover important agreements that help create a sense of togetherness, establish clear boundaries, and prioritize everyone's well-being. To ensure the safety and integrity of our shared space, we cannot admit you if you arrive after 7:00 PM.

What if I'm not feeling good on the day of Cuddles & Consent

If you're feeling slightly sick on the day of the event we highly recommend you stay home, and we'd be happy to give you a full refund. Please take care of yourself (and us too).

Your Cuddle Staff

The organizers of this event have various training in self-awareness, caregiving, boundaries, and psychology. It is our intent to provide a safe space to learn about consent, practice asking for consent, and receive nurturing touch.

What does my ticket cost pay for?

The revenue from this event will go towards reimbursing the cost of snacks and drinks, any advertising cost, and the rest to the kind host providing the cozy space and setup.

Disclaimer: We are not mental health professionals. If you are working through trauma, or believe you might be triggered in an environment involving touch, we recommend you consult a mental health professional before attending.

The pictures on this page are from our previous cuddle parties and are published here with consent from all parties. No photos will be taken until the last 15 minutes of the cuddle party (for publicity and social sharing), and we won't take your picture if you do not consent to it.

Above you can see our cuddle space. Here are some recent comments we've received on our feedback form:

“If you are looking to find a way to reconnect with people and/or heal from anxiety or missing the human connection this is a great group to try to begin healing.”

“Cuddles and Consent is a safe space where people can have a better understanding on consent and communication through touch. Along with this being a learning experience, it can also be very healing to be in a quiet space where you feel safe.”

“When I left the event I was vibrating from the wonderful loving energy shared in that space. Everyone should have the opportunity of experience what I did.”

“This event is great for everyone even those that don't enjoy touch. It's not solely about sharing physical energy but it's also about the empowerment of consent and being able to confidently decline an invitation you don't feel comfortable with.”

"The felt sense of calm and safety lingers on well beyond the event. Last month it lasted for days."

"There is something DEEPLY calming about the experience that is unique and doesn't seem to be otherwise available in my regular world."

"Cuddles & Consent allowed a safe space for me to honor what my body needed."

"It was amazing! Everyone was so thoughtful, respectful, compassionate to ourselves and to others. I was able to feel new inspiration and enthusiasm."

"I experienced success in asking for what I need physically and am trying to approach life with more of a childlike wonder as opposed to a critical thinking exercise."

"It is a uniquely profound experience to be in a room with not just one but a whole group of essentially strangers where you can feel completely safe and literally physically held."

"I'd like to say thank you for making these events possible. In the short time that I've attended I feel like it's truly benefitted my life and helps me practice important skills that i'm working on in this chapter of my life."

"Excellent avenue to practice and refine interpersonal negotiation skills while sharing platonic touch in a safe space"

"The quality of one’s relationships is a significant predictor of human happiness. This is an opportunity to practice creating safer spaces for loving touch in our own lives."

Host or Publisher Gregg, Ty, Amy, Bebe, & Ess