Sideways Social Sessions: Totes + Patches

Sideways Social is a low-pressure way to get out and do something, alongside other neurodivergent folks. No pressure to talk. You can arrive a little late, sit a bit apart and leave whenever you need to.

This is a relaxed textile-making session. Tote bags will be available to decorate, alongside felt for patches, badges and other simple textile pieces. The approach is handmade, playful and experimental.

This is an informal shared making session. There won’t be formal instruction or a step-by-step lesson. I’ll provide materials, simple starting points and practical help where I can. We’ll experiment and work things out as we go. You can follow an idea, change it completely or keep things very simple.

When: Saturday 12 September, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Meet: Currie Crescent Community Centre, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston. The usual entrance has steps and enters through the Fellowship Room. If you need step-free entry, tell me when booking. I’ll send you photo directions and arrange to unlock the church entrance, which leads through to the adjoining Greening Room. No explanation needed.

Cost: Choose the ticket that fits your situation:

• Access ticket - $15

• Standard ticket - $25

• Supporter ticket - $35

Supporter tickets help keep Access tickets available for people who would otherwise be priced out. No proof or explanation needed.

Bring: water, a lidded drink if you want one, and any sensory supports. I’ll bring the craft materials.

Food and scents: Please keep strong fragrances to a minimum on the day.

No meals during the session, please. Water bottles and lidded drinks are welcome. If you need food for medical or access reasons, that is okay. Please bring something small, low-scent and quiet to eat. Please do not bring nuts, and keep other food contained to reduce allergy risks.

Getting there: Routes 56 and R6 stop nearby. View the Getting to and from CCCC guide for bus stops, walking routes and the current construction detour. Free on-site parking is available. The car park is marked “Permit holders only”; people attending CCCC activities are permitted to use it.

Access: The Greening and Fellowship Rooms are adjoining and on one level. The usual entrance has steps. Step-free entry is available through the church and must be unlocked, so please tell me when booking if you need it. I’ll send you photo directions and arrange your arrival. No explanation needed.

An accessible toilet is available in the neighbouring building. The route has no steps, but it goes back through the church, outside and across to the other building. The accessibility of the toilet near the Greening Room has not yet been confirmed.

Good to know: arrive late or leave early anytime. You do not have to talk. You can work quietly, sit near people without chatting, use headphones, take breaks or just watch for a while.