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

Event Venue

Neighbourhuud, Unit 2E Stockwell Lodge Studios, Rear of 129-133 Conway St, Hove, BN3 3LW, 15a/b Cambridge Grove, Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom