Opportunity for neurodiverse people to discuss sex and intimacy at drop-in event
The drop-in session aims to create an accessible and inclusive conversation space
Neurodiverse people in Wiltshire are being given the chance to have safe and open conversations about sex, intimacy and relationships at a drop-in event on Thursday.
It's being organised by domestic abuse charity, FearFree, with the aim of making the topics more accessible and inclusive for people with neurodiversity.
The event, which is being held at County Hall in Trowbridge, is the first of several upcoming drop-in events for people to attend.
Dione Mitchell, senior practitioner at FearFree, said: "We know that these topics are often overlooked or not adapted in a way that suits different communication styles, sensory needs, or ways of understanding the world. So this is about changing that."
The session is open to professionals who wish to support their clients, neurodiverse individuals, and parents or carers eager to help someone in their life.
Dione said she hopes the informal nature of the event will alleviate pressure for attendees.
"It's informal by design so people can come in, ask any questions, just listen to us or just be in a space without that pressure," she said.
Bridging gaps
Awareness of neurodiversity may have improved, but Dione believes there is still much to do in understanding these nuanced topics.
She said, "There's awareness about it, but it's that understanding for people. And we know that the conversations that we see are quite surface level, not those nuanced topics about relationships, consent, boundaries, intimacy."
The aim is to both equip individuals with skills to support themselves and feel more understood and protected in various situations.
Dione added, "It's not about just equipping with the tools, it's how to use those tools and shifting that perspective so that people feel more open talking about sex and intimacy."
She added that there is something within British culture that means we shy away from being open about these topics, something she said can be felt more acutely by neurodiverse people.
"We really want to open that up and have those conversations with people, make people feel more comfortable, but also give them access to information that actually makes sense to them and reflects their experiences as neurodiverse people."