About the Centre of You Cuddle Co-Operative:
First up, for clarity's sake... Centre of You (COY) Cuddle Co-Operative events are intimate yet entirely platonic experiences of emotional and physical intimacy. Experiencing consensual touch is a core connective human need, a primal desire and we seek to create containers where touch can be given in caring, respectful, playful ways and received with comfort, surrender, safety, relaxation and fun.
There are two events that fall under the Centre of You Cuddle Co-Operative offerings, both of which are facilitated by a rotation of trained cuddle practitioners:
1. ENTWINED
This listing is for ENTWINED - a cuddle puddle event. ENTWINED while still facilitated carries a more spontaneous, social vibe than HELD with a significant portion of the event dedicated to a casual cuddle puddle hang-out.
2. HELD
This listing is not for HELD. HELD is not a cuddle puddle/party, it is a highly facilitated, specifically paced, trauma-informed experience. It is suitable for those with hesitations, sensitivities and complexities born of lived experiences and associated fears that limit the ability to engage in cuddles in a free-spirited manner. HELD is centred around moving towards a felt sense of safety and surrender within the body when being held and will require patience and understanding for the process of exploration from all who choose to participate.
The next HELD cuddle event is specifically for female bodies on Friday July 28th - link here.
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About the ENTWINED experience:
ENTWINED is a guided social experience that includes a welcome circle, easy relaxation activities, communication exercises and a description of cuddle etiquette. The event culminates in spacious time to cuddle and connect. Touch is non-sexual, always consensual and never a requirement to participate.
At ENTWINED 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.
This experience offers 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.
Yum!
What to expect:
Guided by your facilitator you will practice using your yes and no, listen to your body’s signals and honour your own needs and the needs of others, engage in partnered and small group exercises, and explore the world of heart-warming hugs and cuddles.
During our time together we will explore:
Group agreements & boundaries
Relaxation activities and self-care
Communication, consent practices and cuddle etiquette
Opportunities to connect using touch or non-touch, relax, chat and hang out
Possible invitations to share at various points throughout our time together
A reminder that participation in any sharing of touch is consented and optional at all times.
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 particularly important at ENTWINED cuddle event as it makes it easier for people to get close to you. Note: arrive free of perfumes, colognes, body spray, oils and cigarette smoke.
Snacks
A moderate selection of snacks will be provided for hug tribe enjoyment and replenishment. Closed packet contributions to the snack table are welcome and most appreciated.
About your facilitator: Natasha Hund
Natasha 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 accredited trainings with Cuddle Therapy Australia and Cuddle Professionals International.
For more information on Natasha's professional offerings visit www.lifespirals.com.au
Testimonials:
"Felt so connected and relaxed. Really enjoyed it." Hitesh.
"Truly was profound and powerful, thank you." Nicki
"Amazing info about consent and clarity in explaining exercises." Anon.
"Structure, care and concern for both boundaries and how to request touch." Adrian F, Social Skill Coach
"I liked the space, that there were pillows and a corner to relax in. Also, that you demonstrated cuddle poses. It was just great!" Daniel.
Things to note:
Centre of You has plenty of bolsters, blankets, and cushions for you to get cosy with. A journal is recommended as are any familiar personal items that will aid you in feeling grounded (crystal, teddy, scarf, etc). You are welcome to bring your own pillow if you prefer, and your water bottle.
Personal responsibility: Please make an assessment on whether you are feeling stable and resourced enough to explore the practices on offer in this event.
Arrival: Endeavour to arrive between 6:45pm - 7:00pm. To preserve the experience for all involved, doors will close at 7:15pm. Truly, it breaks our heart to have to turn latecomers away yet the disruption to the whole group experience by virtue of lateness does require management. We ask that you find understanding and consideration for the timebound nature of the container and make every effort to arrive on time.
Driving: Know Centre of You is on Chapel St and ample time to find a car spot is best to be factored into your plans. Park direct on Chapel St (spots unmetered after 5pm) or in Anchor Place, the open-air parking lot in the side street that runs opposite Centre of You (unmetered after 4pm).
Public transport - tram: Both the number 6 tram & 78 tram stop on the corner of High St/Chapel St. This is stop 31 on the number 6 tram (Moreland/Glen Iris) & stop 45 on the number 78 tram (North Richmond/Balaclava).
Public transport - train: Both Prahran & Windsor stations along the Sandringham Line will get you walking distance to Centre of You.
Finding Centre of You: Centre of You is nestled within the arcade that Chapel St Bazaar is in (217 Chapel St). It is up a flight of stairs with a wide landing at the half-way-point. Unfortunately, this current version of Centre of You does not have a wheelchair accessible lift. If you could use support in getting up the stairs or would like to discuss ways to make your experience at Centre of You more comfortable, please reach out via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram.
Accessibility: At COY we aim to ensure our community and events are inclusive and accessible while alongside upholding the needs and responsibilities of our business and the businesses of our collaborating facilitators. Should you be in a time of financial challenge and unable to pay the full ticket price comfortably, please reach out to grace@centreofyou.com.au
Ticketing T&Cs: We get it, life happens, therefore we will gladly refund you up until 24hrs before the event start time. After that, we have a strict no refund/no transfer to future events policy.
If you are no longer able to attend and wish to pay forward your ticket to someone within the community, be in touch via grace@centreofyou.com.au or via DM over on Centre of You Instagram.
Questions? Email grace@centreofyou.com.au or reach out via Instagram DM.
Tickets: $45.00