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I understand and I agree

I understand that I am welcome to observe first. I do not have to participate in physical contact until I feel comfortable and ready.

I may choose simply to watch, breathe, relax and enjoy the environment. If and when I feel ready, I may choose to participate in permitted forms of contact, including handshakes, holding hands or taking part in the full guided dance/session.

I understand that permitted touch is limited to agreed areas, which may include: Hands • Forearms • Upper arms • Shoulders • Upper back I understand that touch below the waist is never permitted during Cuddle Group sessions. All physical contact must be consensual and remain within the boundaries and rules of the session.

I understand that I can pause, decline or end any physical contact at any time and without having to provide a reason. I may simply use the agreed stop word or say “Thank you” to indicate that I wish the contact to stop. My partner, facilitator or another group member has exactly the same right to decline or stop contact at any time. Consent to one activity or type of touch does not mean consen

Cuddle Group is an inclusive, mixed community. Our sessions may include people of different ethnicities, skin colours, nationalities, cultures, religions or beliefs, genders, ages, backgrounds, social groups, interests and lifestyles. Discrimination, harassment, bullying or disrespectful behaviour towards any member or facilitator will not be accepted.

Participants are expected to treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of personal differences. This includes differences in culture, religion, ethnicity, skin colour, gender, nationality, background, appearance, interests or even preferences such as the football team someone supports.

Our sessions are designed to bring different people and age together in a respectful and welcoming environment. If you are unwilling to participate alongside or respectfully interact with people because of their ethnicity, skin colour, religion, gender, nationality or other personal characteristics, this group may not be suitable for you.

You are never required to touch or dance with a particular person. You may decline interaction with anyone without giving a reason. However, discriminatory, insulting or degrading behaviour towards another participant or facilitator is not acceptable.

I understand that accidental contact may occasionally happen during movement, dancing or group activities. However, deliberate inappropriate, sexual or non-consensual touching is strictly prohibited. If I experience or witness inappropriate contact, an injury, unsafe behaviour or anything that makes me uncomfortable, I should stop participating and inform a facilitator as soon as possible.

Facilitators will take reasonable action, within their role and ability, to protect participants and address concerns brought to their attention. I understand that the facilitators’ supervisory responsibility is limited to the organised Cuddle Group session and the designated session/classroom area.

Facilitators are not responsible for private interactions, meetings, arrangements or contact between members outside the organised session or outside the designated session space. Any interaction between members before or after the session, including exchanging contact details or arranging to meet privately, is a personal decision and is outside the supervision of Cuddle Group facilitators.

I understand that I am responsible for communicating my personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of everyone else participating. Personal belongings remain my responsibility during the session.

I have read and understood the Cuddle Group rules and boundaries. I understand that all physical participation is voluntary. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. I will immediately respect another person’s decision to decline or stop contact. I agree to respect the personal boundaries, dignity and differences of all members and facilitators.

I understand that discriminatory, intimidating, sexual, aggressive or deliberately inappropriate behaviour may result in my participation being ended. I understand that facilitators’ supervision is limited to the organised session and designated session area.

I consent to the information provided on this form being shared with the facilitator(s) responsible for my session where necessary for the safe delivery of the session. I understand that this form and the information provided through it will not normally be retained for longer than 24 hours, except where information needs to be retained for legal, safeguarding or incident-management purposes.

I agree and consent