Consent in altered states: An interactive workshop

An interactive, shame-free workshop exploring consent and communication when alcohol or other substances are involved. Most of us know the basics of consent. But what does meaningful consent look like when alcohol or other substances are involved, communication becomes less straightforward, or the dynamic between two people affects how freely someone feels able to say yes, no or change their mind? This 90-minute interactive workshop will explore consent, capacity, communication and altered states in an open and non-judgmental environment. Facilitated by Alasdair Sladen, a BACP-accredited psychosexual therapist based in Glasgow, the session will move beyond simple rules and look at how consent can work in real-life situations. Through group discussion, scenarios and creative exercises, we’ll explore questions including: • How can alcohol and other substances affect someone’s capacity to consent? • How do we recognise when someone is able to make and communicate a choice? • What can make it harder to communicate or withdraw consent? • How can power, expectations and relationship dynamics affect sexual decision-making? • How can we check in with someone without turning consent into a box-ticking exercise? • What can we do when a situation feels uncertain? We want to make space to think honestly about how we look after ourselves and each other, communicate well, and make consent meaningful even when circumstances are complicated. Who is this for? This workshop is for adults aged 18+. It may be particularly useful for anyone who wants to think more deeply about consent in their own relationships, as well as people working or volunteering in sexual health, youth work, community services, support work or related areas. Please be aware that the session will include discussion of sex, alcohol and other substances, consent, coercion and potentially difficult sexual experiences. Support resources will be available on the night, and you’re welcome to step out at any point. Accessibility From the venue's website: "All spaces in the Library are wheelchair accessible, with ground floor access and all rooms on one level. There is an accessible and gender neutral toilet, with baby changing facilities, available to the public. Our accessible toilet is fitted with a toilet alarm. The library space provides tea, coffee, water, a variety of lighting and seating options, dyslexia reading aids, toys for children, and comfort provisions like soft cushioning, hot water bottles, blankets and space heaters. We understand that people spending time in the library might need to rest for a number of reasons; if you need to lie down on any of our benches or recline in one of our chairs, please feel free to do so. Our staff will do what we can to make you more comfortable. All service dogs, and dogs in general, are welcome as long as they are on a lead. There is free parking on the street outside the Library, but unfortunately there isn’t a specific reserved space for visitors with mobility issues. Please note that Queens Park train station is currently not wheelchair accessible. The closest wheelchair accessible station is Mount Florida Station, which is about 0.7 mile (1.1 km) from the Library. There is level access from nearby bus stops on Victoria Road. " More info here: https://www.glasgowzinelibrary.com/access If you have any access requirements, please contact [email protected] and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.