They're back!

Formerly known as 'Community Classes', after a few years hiatus, we are bringing these back in a newer, better format. These classes are donations based with all profits (yes ALL profits) going to local charities in the Peckham and Southwark areas dedicated to uplifting local communities.

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What's on offer in August?

Fred Hatt & FemmelFatal will be kicking off our newly formatted PWYC classes with the help of other Anatomie team members. The first hour will be dedicated to basics for the complete beginners joining us, and after that we will move on to a specific rope topic which is accessible to all levels.

This month's topic will be 'simple one rope ties for play'. We will be playing with restriction using minimal rope (one and maybe 2 ropes), and very simple techniques. The class will aim to be fun but also packed with information. This will be suitable for complete beginners as well as more advanced folk looking for inspiration!

What charity will we be supporting this month?

This month we are donating our funds to London Friend, a charity for LGBT mental health and wellbeing:

"Established in 1972 London Friend is the UK’s oldest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans charity. We are here to support the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBT community in and around London."

"We offer counselling and support around issues such as same-sex relationships, sexual and gender identity and promoting personal growth and self-confidence. We're also home to Antidote - the UK's oldest LGBT drug and alcohol service. Our social groups provide a safe space to meet and socialise as an alternative to the bar and club scene.

"Our services are delivered by trained Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans volunteers. The services we currently provide include: Counselling, Antidote Drug & Alcohol Support, Social & Support Groups, Volunteering Opportunities, Resources and Training for Professionals"

The charity also runs an initiative dedicated to providing a social space for LGBT people with disabilities, called UNIQUE:

"Our aim is to give visibility and representation to the disabled LGBTQ+ community by creating a safe space, where we can encourage and support the integration process in the wider LGBTQ+ community, through group and one-to-one peer support.

"Our aim is also to increase confidence and self-esteem of individuals who identify as disabled and LGBTQ+ by organising social outings and creating events such as: ‘Disabled, Queer & Here’, (Unique’s sibling organisation).

"Unique is an all-inclusive, confidential, non-judgemental, non-profit community group for disabled LGBTQ+ people, that is also run by disabled LGBTQ+ people. Unique welcomes individuals with all types of disabilities, visible and invisible."

Website: https://londonfriend.org.uk/unique-a-new-group-for-lgbt-people-with-disabilities/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/londonfriendlgbt/

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How does this class work?

Same as any other class. You'll book donation ticket online and turn up on the day. You can attend solo or with a partner, and we'll provide everything else, rope included. We will announce in advance the topic of the class, and what charity donations are going to every session.

Who are these classes for?

Everyone. The aim is to provide a space for quality rope education for everyone, including those financial barriers who may find our pricier classes out of budget. You'll get top notch classes with local teachers, at more accessible price ranges (literally what you can afford since it's donations based).

Should you still come even if you can afford our regular workshops?

Yes! Not only will your donation go to a good cause, but you'll be helping new folk to learn. If you're more experienced, we will ask you to help out newcomers and foster peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

What is the format like?

The classes will be educational, but also have a strong social component, and since we encourage more experienced folk to also attend and participate, these classes will also have a strong peer-to-peer learning component. The first hour will be dedicated to absolute basics for those who are completely new, and then after that we will move on to specific topic or technique - always suitable for all levels.

Who teaches these classes?

Local teachers, old and new. The teachers leading the classes will be donating their time and expertise, sometimes these will be well seasoned teachers, and other times we will provide opportunities for new and budding teachers to lead a class. Our aim is to provide a stepping-stone for greater diversity of folk to teach rope in a friendly and relaxed environment.

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For our Covid-19 policy please see here.