TouchTones - live cello, snuggling, and singing

Consensual touch and singing together help us relax and connect: experience a double-dose of heart-opening oxytocin, with an exquisite live cello accompaniment.

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The central aim of this gentle workshop is nervous system regulation and co-regulation via consensual physical contact and singing/sounding together in as safe a space as possible.

The intention is for you to remain in your comfort zone, during which you'll:

- acknowledge and communicate desires for platonic touch

- learn and sing some beautiful simple songs

- have the opportunity to experience Sonic Spooning: being enveloped in voices and cello

Everyone is in choice and there is 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.

The session is taking place at:

Neighbourhuud, Unit 2E Stockwell Lodge Studios, Rear of 129-133 Conway St, Hove, BN3 3LW

What to expect:

• structured activities for connection with self and others, with options for different levels of touch (including no touch) and different ways of sounding (including no sound)
• opening and closing circle
• breathwork and embodied awareness to help us attune to the moment
• tools offered for exploring and developing communication, consent, and boundary-setting
• comfortable, relaxing environment
• a range of participant experience: from seasoned cuddler / confident singer to completely new to both
• kindness; listening; person- and group-centred environment
• trained and experienced team
• clear and honoured timings: we will be punctual
• 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 fully accessible.

The session is taking place at:

Neighbourhuud, Unit 2E Stockwell Lodge Studios, Rear of 129-133 Conway St, Hove, BN3 3LW

Please see FAQs below for more details about the event.

More info about TouchTones & Brighton Cuddle Space: www.facebook.com/BrightonCuddleSpace

About the team:

Facilitator: Bela Emerson (she/they) is a highly-experienced and reflective neurodivergent spaceholder, community musician / trainer / mentor, professional cellist, and Action Learning Set facilitator.

Bela:

• is a graduate of Eshana Spiers's Facilitator Training for Cuddles and Nervous System Regulation programme (2023)
• trained in-person with Musicians Without Borders in the Netherlands (2016)
• trained in-person with trauma therapist / musician Darren Abrahams (2024)
• is a graduate of Barbara Carrellas's Urban Tantra Professional Training Programme (2022)
• trained at Goldsmiths (2011-13) as a community musician / in healthcare and has worked full-time in the field since 2013
• has regular therapy and supervision for self-resourcing and in order to support / hold space for others

Assistants include: Joana Costeira (she/her) - certified hypnotherapist, from Lavender Feels Therapy, and graduate of Eshana Spiers's Facilitator Training for Cuddles and Nervous System Regulation programme 2023

Host or Publisher Brighton Cuddle Space