The Salisbury Centre

Community Therapies
2025-07-25 10:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London)
Join our Community Therapies at the Salisbury Centre!
When: Last Thursday and last Friday of each month
We first piloted Community Therapies in March 2023 and found there was a need for affordable therapies in Edinburgh.
The aim of Community Therapies is to provide affordable (donation based) therapies for all.
Each of our therapists is in training or is a fully trained and have their own insurance and professional qualification. Currently, community therapies happen the last Thursday and Friday of each month and each therapist offer donation based treatments lasting between 30 mins and 1 hr.
Examples of treatment on offer include:

HEARTS Massage & Aromatherapy
Swedish, Holistic, Myofascial release, Hot Stones
Seated Chair Massage
Reiki
Craniosacral Therapy
Holistic Therapeutic Massage
Acupuncture
EFT
Somatic Experiencing
Chronic Pain Relief

Booking & Deposit:
Treatments are by donation, yet a £5 deposits is requested upon booking make best use of the limited slots we ask for a £5 deposit .
If you can afford more, this donation can be adjusted both at the time of the booking (Inserting a higher donation) or after your treatment (By cash, card donation or via bank transfer)
Deposits can be refunded after the session.
Prior to the session, refunds can be given (minus eventbrite fee) if you give 48 hours notice for your cancellation

Find out about therapists & book your slot:

Availability of treatments will vary according to availability of each therapist .
To find out more about our current community therapists see HERE
To check availability and book a session Click on this Link!

Accessibility:
Treatments will be on the ground floor. The ground floor level access. Click here for more information about the Centre’s accessibility.
If you have any specific accessibility needs please email manager@salisburycentre.org
The Salisbury Centre has one accessible toilet with grip rails.
Seated Massage treatments might be given by two therapist working in the same room, with divisor screens.
Deposits are requested make best use of the limited slots we ask for a £5 deposit which can be adjusted after your treatment. It can be refunded (minus eventbrite fee) if you give 48 hours notice .

Circle Dancing
2025-07-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-22 14:00 - 16:00
When:
Fridays 14:00 – 16:00
No class on following dates:

March 28
April 11
April 18
May 2
June 20
July 4

How to attend:
Contact Kate for further info and to book a place: 07523 466657, auntynana@googlemail.com
Drop-ins welcome (but call Kate if coming for the first time).
Room:
Studio / occasionally Art Room
Accessibility:
Studio is not accessible yet, Art Room is located on the ground floor and it is fully accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. If you have any accessibility requirement please email Kate to check what room a specific session will take place in

Suggested donation:
£6. Please bring cash.

About Circle Dancing:
Circle Dancing is a mix of gentle, reflective and more lively dances which are danced to wonderful pieces of music from around the world. Some dances are traditional and others choreographed. The dances can be adapted to suit individual requirements.
We often dance holding hands – feeling connected with our neighbour and allowing the energy of the dance to be felt by all. We usually dance in the studio, occasionally in the art room and weather permitting the garden (access to studio is by approximately 12 stairs).
More about Circle Dancing for All movement: https://circledancingforall.org.uk/

About Kate Daly:
I have been circle dancing for approximately 16 years and teaching this lovely form of dance for approximately 10 years on completion of two training courses.

About donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Diasporic Longing & Rhizomatic Belonging (Exhibition)
2025-07-25 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-07-28 15:30 - 18:30, 2025-08-04 15:30 - 18:30, 2025-08-11 15:30 - 18:30, 2025-08-18 15:30 - 18:30 | Art Room, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
About the exhibition
Opening times throughout July

Mondays 3:30 – 6:30pm
Fridays 4:30 – 6:30pm

This exhibition translates my recent dissertation, rooted in arts-based methods/research, into a multisensory, collaborative display. It explores how queer diasporic individuals in Scotland use personal objects – such as a great-grandmother’s ring or a rice bowl – as conduits for negotiating diasporic identity and reimagining belonging and memory in the face of cultural displacement.
At its core is the concept of diasporic longing (a term offered by a participant), a phrase I understand as a sensuous, persistent ache that permeates my participants’ experiences of frayed histories and ephemeral homes. Drawing on ecological metaphors such as the rhizome (multi-rooted identity) and the siphonophore (a collective organism of interconnected parts), the exhibition reimagines personal objects and art as expression – as sites of rupture, transformation, and creative reassembly. In doing so, it challenges and uproots traditional narratives and invites new ways to reimagine and perform selfhood.
The exhibition features artworks by participants alongside my own visual responses – including collage, cyanotypes, photography, and a small video installation. It is an ode to queer immigrant and refugee communities in Scotland who have made me feel at home.
About the artist

Marlene Ayumi Ito is an artist and writer, and a soon-to-be graduate in Social Anthropology & Sociology from the University of Edinburgh. Their work explores queer diasporic identity, memory, and displacement through material culture and art practices. Working primarily with objects, collage, and film, they create installations and artworks that collapse personal narrative with political and historical resonance. Marlene’s practice gestures toward a horizon of liberation, envisioning freedom for Palestine, Congo, Sudan and the dismantling of imperial and colonial structures that continue to oppress.
Donations
The Salisbury Centre has generously offered this space free of charge. Donations are warmly welcomed and help support the Centre’s ability to continue hosting local artists, teachers, and community groups.
40% of donations go to the Centre and 60% to the exhibition organizer.
To donate:

Bring cash during your visit
Pay by card at the Centre (tap the pen icon on the screen to add “creative connections” as the reference)
Donate online at www.salisburycentre.org/donate using “creative connections” as the reference

This is an invitation to practice Dana (generosity). Please give what you can – no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Play in Balance for All : Movement and Regulation for Neurodivergent Minds
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00
Class for children, young adults and grown ups especially those of neuro diverse backgrounds. Also suitable for refugees families.
When:
On the following Saturday

Saturday, 17th May
Saturday, 21st June
Saturday, 26th July
Saturday, 16th August

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

How to attend:

tbc (Please check again in a few days)

Suggested donation:
£5-£10
Room:
Art Room & Garden Lawn
Accessibility:
All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.

About the Event:
The events would be a one off or monthly gathering where all bodies, and minds will be welcomed irrelevant of development and ability. Games will be mostly physical involving the body moving, dancing, balancing and playing.
Props for balance, catching, movement and exploration will be introduced and provided such as Swiss balls, slack lines, balance beams, catching and throwing objects and more.
Children 8+ and adults will be encouraged to collaborate and interact in tasks.
The feelings of equality and respect will be fostered in order for a playful and enjoyable experience for all.
Neuro spicy people encouraged. Grounding in the 5 senses and use of the body for play are the founding principles of creating a safe space in relating to our own bodies, balance and resilience.

Facilitator Bio-
I am Brian a physiotherapist who works with adults and children and has a fascination with movement. I have put on workshops in the past and am passionate about using balance and dance to get more present in my body. I have also been very engaged with getting back into play as a way to harbour joy and healing in my body and those of my clients. I am a playful soul and really try to encourage collaboration and equality as the focus of any movement practices.

About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).

Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Queer POC Safe Spaces Hosted by Saffron Cherry
2025-07-26 18:30 - 21:00
When:
Monthly or Bi-Monthly on Saturdays – 18:00-21:00

29th March
31st of May
26th July
27th September

How to attend:
You can simply Drop-in or ,to express interest in attending, you can email: saffroncherry.events@gmail.com
Please use the above email for any queries or questions
Room:
Art Room
Accessibility:
Art Room is fully accessible
All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.

About the Event:
The event will be one of a few activities which change each month, varying from life drawing, potlucks, creative writing workshops, discussion groups, and networking mixers. These events are for up to 30 attendees. Anyone who is a queer person of colour can attend regardless of age and ability.

About the Facilitator:
Hi I’m Temi. I am one of the 3 leaders of Saffron Cherry. All 3 of us are queer and people of colour. I have been leading this collective for 9 months but I have attended Saffron Cherry community events since its inception a year ago. Aside from Saffron Cherry, I have been volunteering in cultural and community collectives for two years including the Edinburgh University African and Caribbean Society and Edinburgh University’s Geographical Society. In these roles I have developed experience in event planning and creative workshop facilitating. I have organised several art and music workshops centred around creativity and Black identity as part of my academic research and am excited to offer similar workshops to the queer POC community.

About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Fireside Vocal Activation for Men
2025-07-27 18:00 - 20:00
A creatively held safe space for men to explore vocal resonance, creativity, and deep connection beyond words, through sound, rhythms, somatic practices, movement, and singing. These sessions will take place around the fireside depending on weather!

When:
Monthly on Sunday, 18:00-20:00

27 April 2025
18 May 2025
29 June 2025
27 July 2025
14 September 2025

How to attend:
Book via Eventbrite : Link HERE
About the Session:
This is a space for men to reconnect, around the fireside, with their voices in a way that goes beyond speaking.
Unlike many men’s groups that focus on a model of verbal sharing, this experience offers a non-verbal approach to connection and self-expression, using sound, vibration, and deep listening to create deepened connection and deepening bond between participants
Through playful vocal exercises and games drawing from collaborative vocal improvisation movements, resonance exercises, and musical elements, participants will explore the creative and emotional potential of their voices.
The session will weave together techniques from somatic relaxation techniques, global vocal traditions, group chanting, and looped soundscapes, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.
Fireside time and ritual, Instruments, movement, and artistic practices may also be introduced to support creative exploration and deepen the experience. The unique energy of the group will shape the journey, making each session an evolving, co-created experience.
The workshop follows a structured but fluid flow. An example of a session might include:

Arrival & Grounding – Breathwork, body activation, group toning
Vocal Freedom & Exploration – Warm-ups, deep sighing, resonance exercises
Sound & Creativity – Exploring harmonics, rhythm, and looped soundscapes
Collaborative Improvisation – Creating layered vocal textures and group soundscapes
Integration & Closing – Reflection, sharing, and a final sung blessing

No prior singing experience is needed—just a willingness to explore, play, and connect.
Drawing from Francesco life’s passion, these session will also include, whenever possible a central Sacred Fire and some learning about “Firekeeping” practices

Short facilitator bio – Francesco Benvenuti
My work with the voice is not something I trained for first—it’s something I needed. Singing became a lifeline to reclaim parts of myself I had once buried under shame and self-doubt. As a child, I internalised the belief that I couldn’t sing. But over time, through years of deep listening, practice, and healing, the voice became my teacher—guiding me toward confidence, connection, and purpose.
Now, I hold spaces for others to experience that same reconnection. For over a decade, I’ve led groups in singing, sound, and ritual—bringing together elements of Georgian polyphony, devotional music, improvisational vocal landscapes, and sacred fire. I’ve shared this work across Scotland, Italy, South/Central America and Europe, weaving music with ceremony and community.
My circles are grounded in creating safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environments. While most of my regular groups have been predominantly women, I’m increasingly drawn to invite men into this work—to explore vulnerability, play, and presence through the voice, beyond the usual performance mindset.
This new offering is an evolving format—an experiment that brings in the loop pedal, instruments, movement, and embodied exploration. It’s a space where creativity flows freely and authenticity is the guide.
If you’re curious about this path, or want to hear more of my story and what I offer, visit:
www.Linktr.ee/harmonicmirrors

In the video these are some example of the Polyphonic Georgian singing Francesco leads in Edinburgh as well as vocal workshop at festivals .
P.S. These Vocal Activation workshops for men, will not be as technical and will be accessible to all, experienced singers and people who are not confident in using their voice. Everyone Welcome!
How to attend:
Book via Eventbrite : Link HERE
Suggested donation:
Suggested donation range: £10-£15
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so. Read more about donations below
Room:
Art Room/Studio and Garden Firepit
Accessibility:
All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).

Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Fireside Vocal Activation for Men
2025-07-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Art Room, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
Cancelled – Returning in September
Session on July 27th is cancelled
Next session returning on 14th September
For any info or queries email : FrancescoBenvenuti.ed@gmail.com
————————————————————————————
A creatively held safe space for men to explore vocal resonance, creativity, and deep connection beyond words, through sound, rhythms, somatic practices, movement, and singing. These sessions will take place around the fireside depending on weather!

When:
Monthly on Sunday, 18:00-20:00 (No August)

27 April 2025
18 May 2025
29 June 2025
27 July 2025
14 September 2025

How to attend:
Book via Eventbrite : Link HERE
About the Session:
This is a space for men to reconnect, around the fireside, with their voices in a way that goes beyond speaking.
Unlike many men’s groups that focus on a model of verbal sharing, this experience offers a non-verbal approach to connection and self-expression, using sound, vibration, and deep listening to create deepened connection and deepening bond between participants
Through playful vocal exercises and games drawing from collaborative vocal improvisation movements, resonance exercises, and musical elements, participants will explore the creative and emotional potential of their voices.
The session will weave together techniques from somatic relaxation techniques, global vocal traditions, group chanting, and looped soundscapes, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

Fireside time and ritual, Instruments, movement, and artistic practices may also be introduced to support creative exploration and deepen the experience. The unique energy of the group will shape the journey, making each session an evolving, co-created experience.
The workshop follows a structured but fluid flow. An example of a session might include:

Arrival & Grounding – Breathwork, body activation, group toning
Vocal Freedom & Exploration – Warm-ups, deep sighing, resonance exercises
Sound & Creativity – Exploring harmonics, rhythm, and looped soundscapes
Collaborative Improvisation – Creating layered vocal textures and group soundscapes
Integration & Closing – Reflection, sharing, and a final sung blessing

No prior singing experience is needed—just a willingness to explore, play, and connect.
Drawing from Francesco life’s passion, these session will also include, whenever possible a central Sacred Fire and some learning about “Firekeeping” practices

Short facilitator bio – Francesco Benvenuti
My work with the voice is not something I trained for first—it’s something I needed. Singing became a lifeline to reclaim parts of myself I had once buried under shame and self-doubt. As a child, I internalised the belief that I couldn’t sing. But over time, through years of deep listening, practice, and healing, the voice became my teacher—guiding me toward confidence, connection, and purpose.
Now, I hold spaces for others to experience that same reconnection. For over a decade, I’ve led groups in singing, sound, and ritual—bringing together elements of Georgian polyphony, devotional music, improvisational vocal landscapes, and sacred fire. I’ve shared this work across Scotland, Italy, South/Central America and Europe, weaving music with ceremony and community.
My circles are grounded in creating safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environments. While most of my regular groups have been predominantly women, I’m increasingly drawn to invite men into this work—to explore vulnerability, play, and presence through the voice, beyond the usual performance mindset.
This new offering is an evolving format—an experiment that brings in the loop pedal, instruments, movement, and embodied exploration. It’s a space where creativity flows freely and authenticity is the guide.
If you’re curious about this path, or want to hear more of my story and what I offer, visit:
www.Linktr.ee/harmonicmirrors

In the video these are some example of the Polyphonic Georgian singing Francesco leads in Edinburgh as well as vocal workshop at festivals .
P.S. These Vocal Activation workshops for men, will not be as technical and will be accessible to all, experienced singers and people who are not confident in using their voice. Everyone Welcome!
How to attend:
Book via Eventbrite : Link HERE
Suggested donation:
Suggested donation range: £10-£15
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so. Read more about donations below
Room:
Art Room/Studio and Garden Firepit
Accessibility:
All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).

Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Watercolours Workshop for beginners
2025-07-30 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-06 15:00 - 17:00
A series of workshops for anyone wanting to explore the world of watercolour. From playing with colour, to creating a finished piece.

When:
2 blocks of 5 weeeks (Weekly on Wednesday)

7th May- 4th June (5 weeks) – 15:00-17:00

9th July – 6th Aug (5 weeks) – 15:00-17:00

How to attend:
To book email: chionecrafts@gmail.com

About the Session:
Watercolour workshops for beginners will start with introducing the materials, colour theory and playing with the relationship between the paints and the water. We will have time to really experiment, I will show different techniques to create different textures with the paint and we can look at different brush strokes for different desired outcomes.
After we have become comfortable with the materials we will start to create our own painting inspired by nature.
All basic materials are included but if you want to bring your own feel free

Short facilitator bio – Lianne (Penny)
Lianne or (Penny) is a full time artist based in Newington and has been working with watercolours for the last 8 years. She specialises in painting birds and also enjoys playful and experimental approaches.
Instagram: chicat101
Room:
Art Room
Accessibility:
All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.
Suggested donation:
Suggested donation range: Suggested donation £10-£20 one off drop in. Block of 5 weeks (suggested exchange) £80-£140.
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).

Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Buddhist Practice on the Path
2025-07-30 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-13 18:30 - 20:00
Fortnightly practice sessions that explore predominantly Buddhist practices for adults with prior meditative/spiritual experience who are interested in actively developing wise mental and emotional qualities and embodying the liberating wisdom of Buddhist teachings.
When
From Wednesday 2rd July (18:30-20:00)
– Fortnightly session
– Last session – 24th September
How to attend:
You’re welcome to just turn up, but as space in the room is limited, booking in to reserve a spot is recommended – practiceonthepath@gmail.com

Room:
Wellspring Room/Art Room
Accessibility:
The room is fully accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.
About the Event:
Join us for a new series of meditation practice sessions – a space to engage directly with practices that help us cultivate more heartfulness, wisdom, and freedom.
Each session will begin with a gentle body warm-up to foster embodied awareness and settle the nervous system.
This will be followed by approximately 20 minutes of lightly guided meditation to help participants arrive. A 20-minute presentation on a specific theme will introduce the focus for the session. Participants will then be guided through a 30 minute practice based on the theme, providing a direct and grounded experience of the teachings.
After the practice, there will be space for facilitated sharing and reflection, encouraging participants to speak from a place that is rooted in experience. The formal session will close with time for informal conversation and connection, allowing the group to deepen relationships and insights.
While not exhaustive, examples of topics that practices will be based on include the four brahmaviharas, the five clinging aggregates, the three characteristics, the five realms, and dependent origination. The intention is to give participants very concrete, hands-on entry points for folding these themes and practices into their lives, if they so wish.
While these sessions are aimed at those with prior experience with contemplative/spiritual practice, anyone with an orientation towards cultivating a regular practice is welcome. Moreover, while wise sharing and reflection are encouraged in the dedicated portion of the session, please note that this is primarily a practice group.
About the Facilitator: Adam
I have been deeply engaged in meditation and spiritual practice for over a decade. For four years, I practiced under the guidance of a teacher as part of a small group of dedicated students, meeting weekly in living rooms to explore self-inquiry and cultivate wise mental and emotional qualities. Our focus was on fully embracing and embodying life rather than escaping, avoiding, or transcending it.
It is apparent to me that the way we inherit the Buddha’s teachings 2500 years after their death is conditioned by these teachings having been largely passed down through male-dominated institutions. While this is problematic for very many reasons, it suggests the possibility that more ‘masculine’ practices and ways of practicing have been over-emphasised, with more ‘feminine’ practices and approaches to practice having been sidelined. So as a matter of emphasis, I intend to offer a hopefully more balanced presentation of practice and the Buddhist path of liberation.
My intention is to share the benefits of the teachings I was fortunate enough to receive and to help build a community for those with a genuine passion for practice but without a regular space to engage it. In these sessions, I will serve as a facilitator, drawing from my own experience, and encouraging others to explore and discover for themselves rather than relying on any external authority.
To book in for a session or get in touch, please email practiceonthepath@gmail.com

Suggested donation:
£3 – £5
100% of all donations go directly to the Salisbury Centre, the facilitator offers the sessions freely.
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “Practice“).

Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “Practice“).

Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Queer Yoga Edinburgh
2025-08-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-22 10:00 - 11:30
When:
Fridays 10:00-11:30
How to attend:
Booking via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/lgbt-yoga-56031130473
Room:
Art Room or Studio
Accessibility:
All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex.
Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.

About this event:

These classes are for LGBTQ+ people who would like to practice accessible yoga with their community. Open to all abilities and experience. We will have around a 60 minute movement and meditation practice, followed by optional tea and chat. If you are practicing without a chair you should be able to get yourself up and down from the floor, otherwise we suggest using a chair.
The sessions are pay what you can as we hope to make classes as accessible as possible if finances are a barrier for you. Suggested donation £3-£8. Please pay what you are able. If you are unable to pay at the moment, feel free to book a free ticket.
Your donation goes to support our community teachers and for hire of the space so we can continue running these classes.
We hope to create a yoga community for queer folks to enjoy group embodiment practice and connect with others. Our classes will follow a gentle flow / slow vinyasa style, with a focus on finding some time for you, to find safety within your own body away from judgement or comparisons. A space where you can take a moment to notice how you feel as you take your time to move in a way that feels right for you and connect with your breath.
The group is lead by yoga instructors Megan (she/they), Nikhita (they/them) and Jordan (he/they) and supported by LGBT Health & Wellbeing.
Mats will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you want. Blocks and blankets will be provided. Chairs can also be provided if needed for extra support – please just let us know at the start of class or by email. We suggest you wear something comfy you can freely move in (joggers, shorts, t-shirts etc)
The sessions will usually be held in the in the upstairs studio of the Salisbury Centre . The studio is situated on the on the first floor up stairs with a handrail and unfortunately there is no lift. Occasionally we are in the art room situated on the ground floor (which is wheelchair accessible). There is a schedule on the front door which will say which room we are in. Please send us an email before hand if you want to confirm before attending. There are all gender toilets available throughout the building. When arriving at the building the front door is locked so please press the doorbell for the studio (or art room) and someone will welcome you in. Group size tends to be around 8-12 people. At the end of practice you will have the choice to stay for a hot drink and chat, which we usually have back in the studio, or when it is warm in the garden. This lasts around 30 minutes but it’s ok if you need to leave early.
Any questions at all, please get in touch. Hope to see you there!

More info on the website: https://www.queeryogaedinburgh.co.uk/
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Women Healing Art Circle (Guest facilitator)
2025-08-03 20:00 - 21:30 | Art Room, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
Women Healing Art Circle
When:
Monthly on Thursdays 20:00-21:30 (No April)

from May – the 1st Thursday, from 1st May
Time: 20:00-21:30.

1st May
5th June
3rd July – guest facilitator
7th August
4th September

How to attend:
Book your space on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-healing-art-circle-registration-989019843977
For updates, follow @womenhealingartcircle on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/womenhealingartcircle/
For any question, email the facilitator at gabriellapalermo@live.it
Suggested donation range £5-15
Room:
Art Room
Accessibility:
Art Room is fully accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.
About the event:
Join us on the first Thursday of every month for a creative and supportive art session in a confidential, non-judgmental space. No prior art experience is needed—just an open mind! Each session begins with individual art-making, guided by themes such as identity, emotions, and relationships, with a special focus on womanhood and mental well-being. All materials are provided, with sustainability in mind. In the second half of the session, participants can share and reflect on their artwork, encouraging personal growth, self-exploration, and community connection.
About the facilitators:
On 3rd July – Guest Facilitator – Lucinda Walker
Bio:
Lucinda Walker studied fine art and textile design in California. She teaches art, sewing, and quilting workshops, emphasising community connectedness, sustainability, and intuitive creativity. She lives in Edinburgh, UK where she studies Art Psychotherapy to direct her future work toward helping others access creative play and self-expression.

3rd July: Art Theme for this session:
A Kind Inner Voice
Identify the voice of your inner critic and invite an alternative voice into your consciousness, one that is unconditionally supportive, kind, and loving. We will use a variety of arts and crafts materials, including fabric and paper collage, to represent this kind inner voice.

Usual facilitators
Gabriela & Bianca
Gabriella is an artist and art psychotherapy student specializing in representations of women, nature, and landscapes. She integrates her artistic practice into community work, supporting young adults with learning disabilities through creative expression. Her approach emphasizes self-expression, creative freedom, and the balance between individual needs and group dynamics.
Bianca is a former kindergarten teacher who shifted her focus to supporting adults, driven by a desire to foster growth beyond early childhood. She uses art as a tool for emotional exploration and self-acceptance, encouraging creativity without judgment. Bianca is passionate about the value of hobbies, the healing power of nature, and its impact on well-being. Her work is grounded in themes of sisterhood, women’s health, and the ways people perceive the world.
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

CANCELLED Life & Drawing
2025-08-07 09:30 - 12:30 | Studio, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
Free up, get out of your own way, and connect with your innate creativity!

When:
monthly on the first Thursday 09:30-12:30:

3rd April
1st May
5th June
3rd July
7th Aug (CANCELLED)
4th Sept

How to attend:
book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ayana-levy-90207773963
Suggested donation:
£10-£15
Room:
Studio
Accessibility:
All rooms at the Salisbury Centre are accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The studio is located upstairs and is accessible via a chair-lift. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.
About the Event:
This is an invitation both for creatives wanting to explore/expand their practice and for those who feel they aren’t creative (but wish they were!). If you’ve ever said “I can’t draw” or “I don’t have a creative bone in my body” then this class is for you too!
So many of us have absorbed the idea that art “should” look a certain way – that there is somehow a right and a wrong when it comes to creativity. Our path to expression is clear when we stop trying to create in the way we think we are “supposed” to and start getting in touch with what naturally flows through us if we allow it.
This is a place to explore and develop tools to free up, get out of our own way and embrace the unique creativity that we all possess.
Includes: Life model, music, gentle guidance (if desired)
Charcoal and paper will be available by donation. Feel free to bring your own art supplies! However, please no oil paints or spray paints.
About the Facilitator:
My name is Ayana and I’m an artist from the Byron Bay hinterland in Australia.
I’ve recently relocated to Edinburgh and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the tools that have been instrumental in helping me find my authentic creative voice.
About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Women Healing Art Circle
2025-08-07 20:00 - 21:30, 2025-08-21 20:00 - 21:30
Women Healing Art Circle
When:
Monthly on Thursdays 20:00-21:30 (No April)

from May – the 1st Thursday, from 1st May
Time: 20:00-21:30.

1st May
5th June
3rd July
7th August
4th September

How to attend:
Book your space on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-healing-art-circle-registration-989019843977
For updates, follow @womenhealingartcircle on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/womenhealingartcircle/
For any question, email the facilitator at gabriellapalermo@live.it
Suggested donation range £5-15
Room:
Art Room
Accessibility:
Art Room is fully accessible. The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.

About the event:
Join us on the first Thursday of every month for a creative and supportive art session in a confidential, non-judgmental space. No prior art experience is needed—just an open mind! Each session begins with individual art-making, guided by themes such as identity, emotions, and relationships, with a special focus on womanhood and mental well-being. All materials are provided, with sustainability in mind. In the second half of the session, participants can share and reflect on their artwork, encouraging personal growth, self-exploration, and community connection.

About the facilitator: Gabriela & Bianca
Gabriella is an artist and art psychotherapy student specializing in representations of women, nature, and landscapes. She integrates her artistic practice into community work, supporting young adults with learning disabilities through creative expression. Her approach emphasizes self-expression, creative freedom, and the balance between individual needs and group dynamics.
Bianca is a former kindergarten teacher who shifted her focus to supporting adults, driven by a desire to foster growth beyond early childhood. She uses art as a tool for emotional exploration and self-acceptance, encouraging creativity without judgment. Bianca is passionate about the value of hobbies, the healing power of nature, and its impact on well-being. Her work is grounded in themes of sisterhood, women’s health, and the ways people perceive the world.

About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)

Let's talk about... (monthly group)
2025-08-17 15:00 - 17:00
Date: Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Time 15:00-17:00 (if desired 15 minute break 16:00-16:15)
Room : Library/ Art Room/ Well-Spring Room (Room vary according to availability). All these room are fully accessible.
Dates: 3rd Sunday Monthly

Let’s talk about things we don’t often talk about and share what we think.
Certainly some of the things each of us practices to develop ourself, to find God, to find the meaning of life or to become a better human being, I rarely talk about and I rarely hear other people talk about.
However we think (hope) that we can learn from each other by sharing what is going on inside ourselves.
Discussion groups like this can get bogged down by disagreements or by people exclusively wanting to talk about what they believe in (as if they are trying to convince others to believe the same).
I would like us to be disciplined in our talking AND listening. A few guidelines might help to create a respectful, open and relaxed space.
Guidelines and practicalities:

Subjects: At the start of each meeting the guidelines are to be considered, modified (if desired) and adopted for the meeting
Confidentiallity: Whatever is talked about in the meeting is totally confidential and will not be discussed outside the meeting (also not in the break), not even with people who were present at the time. Confidentiality gives me the freedom to talk about things that I may not want to talk about outside this kind of meetings.
Only one person speaks at a time: Optional: the person who is speaking can invite brief comments or answer short questions.
Silence between speakers (1-5 minutes). Optional: silence during the 15 minute break.
Agree a maximum time that one person can speak (5 minutes?)
If a speaker goes on too long or goes off-topic, anyone can gently ring the bell. (Only ring the bell gently; It is up to the speaker to change/stop/come to the point; this should not be used to discourage people from speaking what is on their mind, even if you disagree or do not understand).
We share our OWN experiences/opinions/ideas – we do not give each other advice or criticise each other. We do not present other people’s teachings/wisdoms except if it is needed to give context to the subject and our own experience.

Donation & Bookings
No need to book, but if you want more information before attending please email Geetam: geetam0@gmail.com
This is now a Salisbury Centre Community Event; attendance is by donation (but we would like to cover at least the room rent); please give cash to Geetam or use the contactless device in the hall with the reference “Lets talk about” BEFORE entering the amount.

We agree what the subject is and what the subject for the next session will be.
Example Subjects of exploration
“Meditation” can cover a whole range of techniques and traditions (separate subjects?):
◦ Why meditate?
◦ What is your experience when you meditate?
◦ How do you meditate?
◦ Is Mindfulness different from meditation?
What have you tried that did not work or did not work the way you expected?
◦ techniques, rituals, therapies, religious practices
God
◦ Words: e.g. Source, Goddess, (named) Deity , Life Force, Creator, etc.
◦ Is it useful to use the word [God] and what do you mean by it?
◦ Do you have an image of [God], a bit like a personal image or an image that a
certain religion suggests; or do you use the word [God] for the underlying
creative/life force of the universe; or something else?
Is it useful to ask: “Who am I?”
◦ Variations: “Who am I?”, “What am I?”, “Where is the ‘me’; inside, outside,
both?”
Ego
◦ Is it a problem or a feature?
◦ How do you experience it?
Will
◦ What is it?
◦ Does free will exist?
Gratitude
◦ Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.
◦ Whether you believe in a divine plan or in the big bang and random evolution,
the fact that we are here as sentient beings, talking to each other is a miracle.
Life after/before death
◦ Heaven & Hell
◦ Reincarnation

What is the Salisbury Centre about?

Rising in the Body (Somatic Movement)
2025-08-21 11:00 - 12:30
When:
Thursdays 11:00-12:30

No session on April 17th
No sessions on May 15th and May 22nd

Summer break (last session July 3rd, Sessions back on: August 21st )

How to attend:
Email: imprevistodanza@gmail.com
Suggested donation:
£8-£12
Room:
Art Room (sometimes Studio) and Garden
Accessibility:
Art Room is fully accessible.
The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex. Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.

About the Event:

In these sessions, we’ll explore somatic movement, improvisation, and ecological embodiment while cultivating the connection with ourselves and our surroundings.With a focus on individual body-mind awareness and creativity, anyone is welcome to deepen their connection with their body and experience the joy of movement within Nature. Sometimes, with eyes closed, lying and moving on the ground, we will use visualization techniques or hands-on touch to meet and explore our relationship with gravity, our anatomical structures and body systems (inner environment ) and the surroundings (outer environment).
We will nurture our connection with ourselves, tap into our creative potential, and express it. We will allow movement and voice to unfold spontaneously, respond to our surroundings, and be shared with others. With plenty of opportunities for reflection and exploration, these sessions can help to support the body-mind and their ability of resilience, as well as to develop our sense of embodied ecology. It takes place in the beauty of the Garden at Salisbury Centre or indoors (Art Room/Studio) when we need to shelter from strong rain/cold. Please wear comfortable clothes, different layers to adjust to the change of weather and temperature. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email.

Facilitator Bio: Monica De Ioanni
Monica is dance artist, educator and performance maker, mother of 10 years old daughter, movement and environmental advocate. With extensive experience in artistic-environmental projects in the community she performs and creates work both in the UK and internationally. monica continually deepens her knowledge of the body, voice, rhythm, and ecology, and she is interested in developing multidisciplinary and inclusive approaches in performing arts and education. With a background in Environmental Science and PhD in Plant biomechanics, a Professional Award in Applied Arts, monica is qualified in Infant Developmental Movement Educator (IDME) and Somatic Movement Educator (SME) with Embody-Move (embody-move.co.uk), licensed by The School for Body-Mind Centering (www.bodymindcentering.com). She is a professional member of the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association, ISMETA /ismeta.org/. imprevistodanza.com

About Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so.
Any donations received will be shared between the Centre and the facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable as well as to provide some reciprocity towards community facilitators’ time and skills offered.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed.
This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.
To donate:

bring cash
donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (Please use reference “EVENT NAME“).
Card payment option available at the entrance hall (Please enter the event name before making payment)
