Guidelines and Code of Conduct
Event Guidelines and Code of Conduct
An evening of discovery, connection and being present.
A welcoming evening for everyone.
These guidelines explain how we look after each other at The Elsewhere Experience. They apply to guests, partners, facilitators, performers, volunteers and the organising team alike.
The evening is built on warmth, respect and choice. We want everyone to feel safe enough to rest, join in or keep to themselves. We ask for a few simple things in return, and we promise some in advance.
What we promise
- Every activity is optional. You can join, watch or step away at any time.
- Nobody is asked to share personal struggles, pray, confess or take part in any ritual.
- Activities that involve movement, breath or emotion are led by a facilitator, with an easy way to opt out.
- We make no medical, clinical or therapeutic claims. The evening is not a treatment, and any benefit is whatever guests tell us they felt.
- We listen to concerns and act on them quickly and respectfully.
What we ask of everyone.
- Be kind. Treat others with courtesy and patience, including the team.
- Respect belief and background. Guests of every faith, or none, and of every background belong here. Please do not preach, press others to join, or make assumptions about them.
- Ask before touching. Physical contact only happens with clear consent. Hugging or touching others in activities is always a choice.
- Accept a no. If someone steps away, declines or asks for space, thank them and let it be.
- Take care with conversation. Listen more than you advise. What others share in circles and conversations stays there.
- Respect the quiet space. Keep it calm. No phones, photos or conversations there.
- Keep photography considerate. Do not photograph or film people without their consent, and follow the signs.
- Look after the space and each other. Follow the instructions of the team, especially in an emergency.
What is not acceptable
Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, unwanted advances, aggression, bullying, and any behaviour that makes another person feel unsafe are not acceptable. We may ask anyone who behaves this way to stop or to leave, and may refuse to refund a ticket in that case.
Alcohol, substances and belongings.
| Topic | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Our alcohol policy is to be confirmed for this edition. Guests who prefer not to drink are never made to feel out of place. |
| Other substances | Illegal substances are not permitted at any edition. |
| Food | Tell us about dietary needs and allergies when you book. Please do not bring outside food into the dining area unless you have agreed it with us. |
| Belongings | Keep valuables with you. We cannot take responsibility for lost items, though we will keep anything found and try to return it. |
| Children | Whether under-18s may attend is to be confirmed. Where they do, an adult is responsible for them throughout and extra safeguarding applies. |
Looking after wellbeing on the night.
A named welfare lead and a first-aid point are planned for every edition, shown on signs and at the welcome point (names and locations to be confirmed for each edition). Facilitators are briefed to invite, never to instruct, and to respect any guest who opts out.
If you feel overwhelmed at any point, you are welcome to use the quiet space, step outside, or ask any team member for help. If someone needs professional support, we will help them find it. In an emergency, we will contact emergency services at once.
Guests, volunteers and partners must never be asked to disclose health or personal information. Feedback surveys are optional and anonymous.
Raising a concern.
- Tell someoneSpeak to any member of the team, or the welfare lead. You can ask to speak privately.
- We listenWe will listen without judgement, ask what you would like to happen, and explain what we can do.
- We actThat may mean a conversation, a change of space, asking someone to leave, or involving emergency services or the police where appropriate.
- We follow upAfter the evening, you can still contact us through the website. Concerns are handled confidentially and shared only with the people who need to act on them.