The Salisbury Centre

Contact Improv Classes
2025-09-16 12:30 - 14:00, 2025-09-30 12:30 - 14:00 (Europe/London)
A class for adults to learn and practice contact improvisation: a dance form that brings awareness to body-mind, gravity, touch, weight sharing, autonomy and collaboration.
When:
Fortnightly, on Tuesday 12:30 -14:00

First session on 29th April
Last session on 30th September

How to attend:

Email: ci.salisburycentre@gmail.com

Suggested donation:
£8-£12
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:
In these classes we will introduce principles of Contact Improvisation such as dancing with touch, gravity, points of contact, shared weight, and awareness of body and space. We will explore dancing in and out of contact with one another and research falling, flying and rolling together with a curious and playful attitude. The class will begin with an opening circle to talk through safety and expectations, progress through embodiment, guided exercises and scores, and finish with a short jam and closing circle. We will work in pairs, groups, or by ourselves, and there will be moments for music, silence, discussion and feedback. We hope these classes offer a space for individual and collective growth, where we can exchange ways of being and relating that include listening and responding with presence in an embodied and spontaneous way.

To prepare for the class, wear comfortable clothing. No previous experience in CI, movement or dance is necessary, just come with your curiosity! Please arrive on time for the opening circle.

Facilitator(s) Bio
Pamela and Sky are friends who have been collaborating as dancers, performers and researchers in CI. We have danced Contact Improvisation for many years, been organising CI events in Edinburgh with monthly classes and jams at Dance Base. We are both contemporary dancers and body therapists with an interest in nurturing 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)

Rising in the Body (Somatic Movement)
2025-09-18 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-09-25 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)

Queer Yoga Edinburgh
2025-09-19 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-26 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)

Circle Dancing
2025-09-19 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-26 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)

Ecological Body – Slowing Down for Autumn
2025-09-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Studio, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
An embodied workshop of somatic practice, restorative yoga & gong journey

This workshop is for anyone feeling stretched thin by pressure, over-giving, or self-doubt, and longing to come home to their body.
Through gentle somatic practice, deeply restorative yoga, and a live gong sound journey, you’ll be guided into a space of release, presence, and renewal. You’ll leave feeling a relief from stress and tension, grounded, with a deeper sense of belonging in your body.
Book here
As the seasons turn and nature softens into autumn, our bodies, too, long for a slower rhythm. This workshop is an invitation to pause, breathe, and root back into your own inner cycles of rest and renewal.
This space is for you if you:

Feel burnt out from constant pressure and over-giving

Long to reconnect to your body and its wisdom

Find yourself caught in striving, perfectionism, or self-doubt

Are ready to release tension and sink into ease

Through gentle somatic practice, deeply restorative yoga, and a healing sound of gong you’ll be guided into a state of presence, rest, and belonging.
The approach is grounded in a body-based process that makes transformation both safe and sustainable, so you can return not just to balance, but to yourself.
What to expect

Somatic exercises that bring you into embodied presence

Restorative yoga for deep rest and nervous system regulation

A gong sound journey that carries you into surrender and spaciousness

A nurturing space to soften, release, and reset

Integration

Benefits

Relief from stress, tension, and overwhelm

Greater calm, clarity, and groundedness

A renewed connection to your body as a guide, not a problem to solve

Energy and spaciousness to live in rhythm with yourself and the seasons

Book here

Autumn Equinox at The Salisbury Centre
2025-09-21 00:00 - 17:00 | Art Room, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
Booking in advance and donations are encouraged, but no one will be turned away for financial reasons. If you can’t afford a donation at this time, just show up on the day!
For Yoga for Sleep Recovery and Sacred Ciorcals workshops, please go to their event pages to contact the facilitator.
***
On Autumn Equinox, we enter the darker part of the year’s cycle. It’s a time to celebrate this Summer’s harvest and to decide what to leave behind and what to carry into the the darkness of the coming season.
The intentions we set around this time will stay with us throughout the winter and carry us into the Spring. This year, we’re celebrating the Equinox at The Salisbury Centre on 21st September.
As summer draws to an end and many people are coming back to town with stories and adventures, we invite you to gather with us again in our beautiful rooms and garden. There will be yoga and creative workshops, a mini-training for community members interested in firekeeping (email francesco@salisburycentre.org to register interest!), jam making, play space in the garden, and a fireside sharing of stories, poems, and ritual to celebrate the turn of the seasons.
Please refer to the agenda for times of specific events and practical information. If you have questions, email community@salisburycentre.org.
You can book and/or leave a donation here.
Schedule for the Day

The International Day of Peace: Heartfulness Meditation 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Heartfulness meditation is a heart – centred approach to living where you learn to live each moment by the heart, which becomes enlightened and refined through spiritual practice. Heartfulness meditation is supported by pranahuti or yogic transmission which elevates our approach in a lively, dynamic and joyful way.
Today is the International Day of Peace – feel free to join the special meditation from the Heartfulness UK group that have been one of the core groups at The Salisbury Centre, holding their meditations each Sunday.
Jam Making: 12:00 – 15:00
Please bring some seasonal fruit and jars. No booking required – but we encourage you to book on this Eventbrite page to give us an idea of the numbers and leave a donation if you can.

Play and Balance in the Garden: 12:00- 15:00
Our community facilitator and physiotherapist Brian will set up slackline and the safety line above it, a balance board and Swiss ball. He’ll show some basic balance movements and practices and show people how it works and relates to a meditative mind. People can have a quick go and see if they enjoy it!

Yoga for Sleep Recovery: 13:30 – 15:00
Struggling with sleep? Curious about the science of sleep? Want some yogic tools to help? This workshop is for all who may be looking to improve their rest. Booking is required – please use this link to book your spot.

Mini-training for firekeepers: 13:30 – 15:00
Are you a Salisbury Centre volunteer or community member interested in learning more about the practical and energetic aspects of Firekeeping? This is a special opportunity to join an introductory training with Francesco, who coordinates an international collective of Sacred Firekeepers for events and festivals. The training is limited to 3 participants. From 15:00 onwards, the fire will be lit, offering additional opportunities for hands-on learning. To register your interest, please email francesco@salisburycentre.org and share briefly why you would like to take part. We will confirm if the training goes ahead depending on interest and upon booking there will be a suggested donation to cover costs for those who can afford.

Fireside Gathering and Autumn Equinox Ritual: 15:00 – 16:00

As it is a tradition at The Salisbury Centre, we will gather around the fire towards the end of the day to share stories, songs, and intentions for the coming autumnal season. No booking required, but we encourage you to book on the Eventbrite page to give us an idea of the numbers and leave a donation if you can.

Sacred Ciorcals – Ignite the Creative Flame Within: 16:00 – 18:00

This workshop provides a space to reflect on the personal significance of seasonal change and to use mandala-style artwork to portray this journey. It will be structured into four parts, beginning with a meditation and concluding with a connection circle. Please use this link to find more information about the event and to book your spot (booking is required).

Here is the Eventbrite page of the whole event. We hope to see you there!

Yoga for Sleep Recovery
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:30
When:
14:00-15:30 – 21st September
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:
Struggling with sleep? Curious about the science of sleep? Want some yogic tools to help? This workshop is for all who may be looking to improve their rest. We will begin with an overview of the science of sleep including brain wave patterns and sleep types, we will practice the Simple Sleep Sequence as designed by Lisa Sanfilippo and finish with some restorative poses and guided meditation.
You will come away with a toolkit to improve your rest; from meditation techniques to taking the quiz to find out your own sleep type. There will be chance for reflections, discussion and taking notes to create your own personal toolkit. Please bring a notebook. Mats and blankets are available at the centre.
About Facilitator:
Emily is a yoga instructor and yoga therapist with CPD in chair yoga, yin yoga, yoga for sleep and trauma-informed yoga. She teaches 1-1 sessions and group classes in studios across Edinburgh.

Let's talk about... (monthly group)
2025-09-21 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?

Sacred Ciorcals, Ignite the Creative Flame Within (Autumn Equinox)
2025-09-21 15:30 - 17:30 | Wellspring Room, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
Sacred Ciorcals- Ignite the Creative Flame Within
Mabon Celebration: Creative Workshop for the Autumn Equinox
When:

Saturday 21st September , 3:30pm-5:30pm

Room:
Library
Accessibility:
Library 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:
Mabon Celebration: Creative Workshop for the Autumn Equinox
Mabon is a Celtic celebration that aligns with the Autumn Equinox, marking the shift toward the darker half of the year. It is a time to honour balance, harmony, and the changing seasons. This workshop offers a welcoming space for individuals to connect, reflect, and embrace the energy of this transitional time.
Overview
This workshop provides a space to reflect on the personal significance of seasonal change and to use mandala-style artwork to portray this journey. It will be structured into four parts, beginning with a meditation and concluding with a connection circle. Below is an outline of the morning’s structure.
Workshop Structure
The workshop will begin with a welcoming circle. Participants will receive information about the facilities and an overview of the morning’s activities. There will also be an opportunity to check in and connect with the group.
While we start together, this space is an invitation for personal reflection. The hope is for this space to allow the opportunity for individual self-expression through a creative medium. The workshop will flow through four main stages:

Meditation: You will be guided through a meditation to inspire the creative process and begin visualizing your ‘sacred ciorcal’.
Orchestrating your idea: After the meditation, you will be invited to select the medium that best suits your vision. A variety of materials, including paints, black ink pens, pencils, and natural elements (such as leaves and rocks), will be available. If you regularly work with a particular medium, you are welcome to bring your own materials. Card will be provided as a canvas.
Creative Expression: The core of the workshop will focus on bringing your vision to life. You will fill your ‘sacred ciorcal’ with images, words, or symbols that hold personal meaning. Intentional music will be played to support the creative flow.
Closing connection circle: Finally, we will reconnect in a closing circle. There will be an invitation for people to share their creative process and their ‘sacred ciorcals’ if they feel comfortable.

Hosted by Rachael NicDhomhnaill Ní Mhuirí

The Song Circle - Autumn Equinox
2025-09-21 15:30 - 17:30 | Art Room, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
The Song Circle – Autumn Equinox
The Song Circle is a welcoming drop-in singing group to come together and learn beautiful, simple songs and harmonies taught by ear. You do not need any music or singing experience to come and sing with us, all songs are simple to learn and are taught on the day – this group is for anyone and everyone who enjoys singing. This session will celebrate the Autumn Equinox, with songs celebrating all things Autumnal.
The group will be held in the light and welcoming space of the Art Room. We will begin with a stretch and vocal warm-up before learning each song individually. We will take time to honour the songwriter, story, history, and origins before each song. In total, there will be an hour and a half of singing with a break halfway for a cup of tea.
Eventbrite Link for Tickets
Email: thesongcircleuk@gmail.com
Cost: £8 (+booking fee). Please email us if cost is a barrier to attending.

Diasporic Longing & Rhizomatic Belonging (Exhibition)
2025-09-22 15:30 - 18:30, 2025-09-29 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.

Embodiment & Relational Tools for Facilitators and Spaceholders
2025-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Library, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
A learning space for those whose work centres around holding space and who want to work on a deeper, relational level.
Booking link
***

Join us for a 2-hour workshop led by Ruth Friedman, one of Edinburgh’s top coaches and relational practitioners. She will create a safe and empowering learning environment for facilitators, coaches, mentors, and anyone who holds space for other people as part of their work.
In this workshop, Ruth is going to introduce relational and embodiment techniques that you can instantly start implementing in your work. You will have space to connect with other people in the room and practice what you learn immediately.
The overall intention is to help you access your own body’s wisdom in a way that informs your work with groups and clients. This can not only have a positive impact on them, but also help you share more of your own authentic self without the need to put your experience at the door the moment you step into the spaceholding role.
We hope you will join us to discover a whole new way of showing up for others!
What you’ll learn
There’s only so much we can cover in two hours – but the aim is to give you an insight into relational and embodiment practices that can inform your work.
If you want to dig deeper, Ruth will offer accessible ways of working with her going forward. However, this is what you can expect to get from the workshop:

Discover the Felt Sense and learn how it can be a game-changer for spaceholders
Tap into the relational practice of Circling
Learn the science behind the above and how it can enhance your skills
Practice with a group of people who are on a similar trajectory to you.

Who is this for?
This event is for people whose work centres around holding space for others (e.g., facilitators, coaches, group leaders, mentors).
You will certainly benefit if you want to:

Enhance presence & listening skills for deeper impact
Deepen your coaching and/or facilitation skills
Integrate embodied techniques into your work with groups and clients
Experience a fresh angle that helps you go beyond traditional approaches to coaching and facilitation
Learn how to work in a more authentic and embodied way.

If you don’t fit this description perfectly but feel curious, we still encourage you to join! Even though Ruth crafted this event with a particular “audience” in mind, a lot of other people and professionals can benefit from these skills as well.
Practical info
When: Monday 22nd September, 6 – 8 pm.
How to attend:Please make sure you book via Eventbrite. If you have questions about attending, email Marta at hello@martabrzosko.com
Room: Library
Price:This event is by donation, with trust that you can donate what best suits your circumstances. Suggested donation is £10 – £20.
Accessibility: The Library is located on the ground floor and it is wheelchair accessible
Refunds: Up to 5 days before the event. After that, we will assess refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

Booking link

About Ruth Friedman (workshop facilitator)

My name is Ruth Friedman. I have been working with Focusing and Circling practices for over a decade, and I am now trained and credentialed as a Focusing Teacher and Circling Practice Leader. I’m passionate about sharing these practices because of the profound impact they have had on my own life and in my work as a coach.
I have been recognised by the Forbetter Institute as one of Edinburgh’s Top 10 Coaches. I’m the creator and owner of Lead Being You coaching and training company. I created Lead Being You to help people overcome doubts, manage stress, and build confidence.
I am credentialed through the ICF as a Professional Certified Coach and with the Association for Coaching as a Master Executive Coach.
My style is warm, inclusive, and experiential. I offer clear demonstrations, hold a safe space, and support deep personal and professional transformation.

About Marta Brzosko (assistant facilitator)

I’ve been facilitating Authentic Relating and other connection events in Edinburgh and online since 2020. I’ve completed the Authentic Facilitator Training from Authentic Revolution, as well as other relational and mindfulness education – including a post-grad diploma in Mindfulness & Compassion studies.
My approach is informed by Buddhist philosophy, compassion, and strive for a balance between the individual and the collective.
I work and facilitate at The Salisbury Centre – one of the oldest community hubs in Edinburgh. I think of it as my spiritual home that deeply nurtures me, but also a playground for learning about relationships, group dynamics, and community building.
I’m a self-published author, writing a newsletter called Connection Hub. There, I share stories, tools, and ideas around creating authentic human connection and communities.

Chronic Pain Support Group
2025-09-23 17:00 - 18:30
A space for people with chronic conditions to connect with understanding individuals and explore practical exercises to feel better.
When:
Fortnightly on Tuesdays 17.00-18.30
How to attend:
please make you sure you book via Eventbrite (Book Here).
Room:
Library
Suggested donation:
£5-10 (please find more information on how to donate at the end of this page)
Accessibility:
The Library is located on the ground floor and it is fully accessible. Studio is not accessible yet. 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.

Structure of the group (Start time):
The start time is 17.00 however please feel free to arrive anytime up to 17.30.

17.00-17.30 – Arrivals and check-ins – arrive anytime up until 17.30
17.30-18.30 – Session theme introduction, facilitated group discussion and guided activity.

What is the Chronic Pain Support Group?
Join this open group to connect with others with chronic conditions and explore practices to ease your symptoms.
This group is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment to share, discuss, and explore chronic pain. Participants will have space to discuss their pain experiences in a non-judgemental setting, followed by a guided activity such as mindful meditation, expressive writing, or a guided visualisation.
Each group meeting is centred around a theme and short educational segment. These are focused on the latest pain science and the mindbody approach to helping chronic pain.
The main aim of the group is to have a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can make friendships and help each other on the path to feeling well.

About the facilitator:
Ed Giles is a former chronic pain sufferer turned coach who is passionate and dedicated to helping others in pain find their path to recovery. He trained as a coach with the MindBodyFood Institute. Additionally, he trained under Dr Howard Schubiner and Hal Greenham to learn the latest and most effective treatments for chronic pain recovery.
Ed offers chronic pain assessments and a coaching program designed to help people with chronic pain get permanent relief from their symptoms.
Learn more: www.pathoutofpain.com

How to join and participate?
Please book your spot via Eventbrite (Book Here) At this time, we’re keeping the spaces limited to 8 people (not including the facilitators) due to the room size and the nature of what we’re doing. This ensures a quality experience for everyone.
Donations:
Participation in our community-led events is often on a voluntary ‘by donation’ basis. This means that nobody is expected to make a payment if they cannot afford to do so. However, any donations received for the Chronic Pain Support Group will be passed on to The Salisbury Centre and Facilitator, helping to make the events’ programme sustainable.
Where a “suggested donation” is listed, this is just an indication of what the event might cost if it was ticketed – it is fine to donate less (or nothing at all). Donating is one way to show your appreciation for the value of the Salisbury Centre. Please consider ‘paying it forward’ by donating a bit extra if you can afford, helping to keep it possible for everyone to take part, regardless of their circumstances.
Suggested donation for this event is £5 – 10.
To donate:

add your donation to Eventbrite booking

bring cash on the evening, or

donate online on www.salisburycentre.org/donate (using “Pain Group” as REFERENCE).

pay with card at the front door, please add a reference (e.g. Pain Group) using the pen icon top right on the pay-point screen

This is an invitation to practice ‘Dana’ (generosity) – please pay only what you can afford to attend.

Chronic Pain Support Group
2025-09-23 17:00 - 18:30 | Library, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
A space for people with chronic conditions to connect with understanding individuals and explore practical exercises to feel better.

When:
Fortnightly on Tuesdays 17.00-18.30

First Session: 7th October
Last Session: 27th January

How to attend:
please make you sure you book via Eventbrite (Book Here).
Room:
Library
Suggested donation:
This event is on a suggested donation sliding scale. Please decide in what category you fall and what you might be able to contribute. Tiers are:

£5 – Concession Tier 1
£10 – Sustainable Tier 2
£15 Generous Tier 3

Note: For those unable to contribute financially, please get in touch with the facilitator to claim a free OR subsidised ticket. Please email admin@pathoutofpain.com
Accessibility:
The Library is located on the ground floor and it is fully accessible. Studio is not accessible yet. 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.
Structure of the group (Start time):
The start time is 17.00 however please feel free to arrive anytime up to 17.30.

17.00-17.30 – Arrivals and check-ins – arrive anytime up until 17.30
17.30-18.30 – Session theme introduction, facilitated group discussion and guided activity.

What is the Chronic Pain Support Group?
Join this open group to connect with others with chronic conditions and explore practices to ease your symptoms.
This group is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment to share, discuss, and explore chronic pain. Participants will have space to discuss their pain experiences in a non-judgemental setting, followed by a guided activity such as mindful meditation, expressive writing, or a guided visualisation.
Each group meeting is centred around a theme and short educational segment. These are focused on the latest pain science and the mindbody approach to helping chronic pain.
The main aim of the group is to have a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can make friendships and help each other on the path to feeling well.
About the facilitator:
Ed Giles is a former chronic pain sufferer turned coach who is passionate and dedicated to helping others in pain find their path to recovery. He trained as a coach with the MindBodyFood Institute. Additionally, he trained under Dr Howard Schubiner and Hal Greenham to learn the latest and most effective treatments for chronic pain recovery.
Ed offers chronic pain assessments and a coaching program designed to help people with chronic pain get permanent relief from their symptoms.
Learn more: www.pathoutofpain.com

How to join and participate?
Please book your spot via Eventbrite (Book Here) At this time, we’re keeping the spaces limited to 8 people (not including the facilitators) due to the room size and the nature of what we’re doing. This ensures a quality experience for everyone.
More 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
For events which are Drop-ins you can donate on the day by:

Bringing cash
donating 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)

—————————-
How might the suggested donation tier system applicable to me?

£5 – Concession Tier 1
This tier is for those who are students on a low income, carers, or single parents. It is also for people who are unemployed or underemployed, navigating financial hardship, or facing systemic barriers. If you rarely spend on extras or feel stressed about meeting basic needs, this tier exists so that you can still participate. Your presence matters, and you are welcome here.
£10 – Sustainable Tier 2
Choose this tier if you have stable employment or a regular income, are able to meet your basic needs and some wants, and can occasionally go out or put a little money aside. At this level, you don’t often worry about making ends meet.
£15 – Generous Tier 3
This option is for those with a comfortable income or savings, who may own their home or have access to family wealth. You might go on holidays, eat out regularly, or shop for pleasure. Contributing at this tier helps support the wider community and those accessing the concession rate.

Authentic Connection Group
2025-09-23 18:00 - 20:30 | Art Room, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
General info
When: monthly on Tuesdays, 6 – 8:30pm. Check Eventbrite or The Salisbury Centre website for details.
How to attend: please book via Eventbrite here. I can’t guarantee there will be a space for you if you just show up on the day. If the event is booked out, join the waiting list and you’ll be notified when a spot becomes available.
The group is open to everyone, both regular members and one-off visitors. If you have a question, email Marta at hello@martabrzosko.com
Room: Art Room, occasionally in the Studio.
Suggested donation: £10 – £20. Please refer to the “note on donations” below before you decide your contribution.
Accessibility: Art Room is located on the ground floor and it is fully accessible. Studio is not 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.
Refunds: Automatic refunds will be issued up to 3 days before the event. After that, I can’t issue refunds.
Book your spot here
What the Authentic Connection Group is about
The Authentic Connection Group, is an experimental community space where we practice the art of conscious relating. We do it through playing Authentic Relating games, learning about consent, Circling, and exploring other practices that bring us closer to ourselves and each other.
Our two keywords are “Authentic” and “Connection”.
Authentic, because we believe in staying true to your experience and expressing it in a skilful way to others, rather than pretending you’re feeling / thinking something else.
Connection, because we value staying in connection with ourselves and others, no matter what our experience is at any point.
We draw a lot on Authentic Relating games, inspired by Sara Ness and the work of Authentic Revolution. We’re also open to other practices that support connection, open communication, and healthy relationships. Each session is different and unique. However, we do have our roots in foundational practices such as The Noticing Game and Circling.
Our informal motto is this quote from Fred Rodgers, an American TV host and author:
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
Agreements
Our agreements are signposts for the group’s culture. They help us know what to expect in the group (both from ourselves and others) and through that, create a space in which we can feel safer to explore edgy relational territory.
We always revisit the agreements at the beginning of the session. You can read through them out here at any time.
Here’s the short version:

Honour Yourself
Confidentiality by Request
Stay Present
Own Your Experience & Check Your Assumptions
Don’t Give Advice (Unless explicitly asked)

A note on donations:
Charging for community events like this can be tricky! On the one hand, I want to make them as accessible as possible. But as a freelance facilitator who relies on them as a chunk of her income, I need them to also nurture me financially.
I decided to keep this group donation-based for now. This is an act of trust that you can assess your ability to contribute more accurately than I ever could.
I also invite you to consider that by putting money towards it, you are self-signaling that this event is valuable to you. This makes it more likely that you’ll actually get more out of it!
Suggested donation for this event is £10 – £20. Feel free to pay less (or more) if that suits your situation better.
If you’d like to help out – for example by opening the door or helping with the room setup – email me at hello@martabrzosko.com
Book your spot here

Buddhist Practice on the Path
2025-09-24 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)

Community Therapies
2025-09-25 10:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-26 10:00 - 19:00
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 .

Echoes of Land Project
2025-09-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Garden, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
When:
Thursdays 25th September & 2nd October11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
About the Event
Hi, I’m Monica, a community facilitator at the Salisbury Centre. I’m delighted to share that I will be an Artist in Residence here, working with a wonderful team of collaborators on the Echoes of Land project. Together, we are exploring eco-performance and outdoor creative education to foster ecological awareness and deepen our connection with nature.
As part of this journey, I’m offering two special sessions of Rising in the Body – Echoes of Land Project | Lab.

🌿 What to Expect
These sessions will focus on place-responsive movement practices. Through guided activities and experimental scores, we will explore how to:

Develop space-aware performances

Create engaging, creative learning experiences

Support educational programs that empower children and young people, nurturing their creativity, agency, and connection to the environment

The sessions are open to both arts professionals and community members who are interested in performing arts, ecological awareness, and climate action. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Suggested donations :
This event is on a suggested donation sliding scale. Please decide in what category you fall and what you might be able to contribute. Tiers are:

£8 – Concession Tier 1
£12 – Sustainable Tier 2
£15 Generous Tier 3

Note: For those unable to contribute financially, please get in touch with the facilitator to claim a free OR subsidised ticket. Please email imprevistodanza@gmail.com
Spaces are limited, advance registration required

👉 How to Book

Register via Eventbrite : booking Link Here

To request a free place, email Monica at: imprevistodanza@gmail.com

Come join us in discovering how performance and education can be more deeply connected to the places we live in and care for.
Accessibility:
Please, it is important to let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements.
Please email imprevistodanza@gmail.com
More 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
For events which are Drop-ins you can donate on the day by:

Bringing cash
donating 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)

“What donation tier might be best applicable to me?”

Concession Tier 1

This tier is for those who are students on a low income, carers, or single parents. It is also for people who are unemployed or underemployed, navigating financial hardship, or facing systemic barriers. If you rarely spend on extras or feel stressed about meeting basic needs, this tier exists so that you can still participate. Your presence matters, and you are welcome here.

Sustainable Tier 2
Choose this tier if you have stable employment or a regular income, are able to meet your basic needs and some wants, and can occasionally go out or put a little money aside. At this level, you don’t often worry about making ends meet.

Generous Tier 3
This option is for those with a comfortable income or savings, who may own their home or have access to family wealth. You might go on holidays, eat out regularly, or shop for pleasure. Contributing at this tier helps support the wider community and those accessing the concession rate.

Hands & Heart - DIY Practical Care & Connection
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:30
(Carers Support Group)
An event for people to explore simple hands-on techniques—including DIYs for self-care, gentle touch, and bonding activities—to enhance connection, comfort, and everyday wellbeing.
Take a gentle pause in your caring role — to nurture yourself, reconnect, and find moments of calm.
Starting April 2025, Breathe & Bloom offers two monthly workshops at Salisbury Centre, specially designed to support unpaid and professional carers — and anyone interested in exploring gentle
wellbeing practices. Our two series — Scent & Stillness: A Sensory Meditation Experience and Hands & Heart: Practical Care & Connection — invite you to explore aroma, gentle touch, and simple relaxation techniques to support both your own wellbeing and the people you care for. No prior experience needed — all are welcome.
When:
Monthly – on the 4nd Thursday – 13:00 – 14:30

First session 24th April

No session 28th Aug

Last session 25th Sept

How to attend:

Eventbrite here

Suggested donation:
£5-£10
Room:
Library
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 monthly event series explores practical, hands-on techniques for self-care and connection. Participants will engage in DIY self-care activities (such as making bath salts, aroma playdough, or room sprays), learn gentle touch techniques, and discover simple ways to create moments of comfort and bonding in daily life.
Who is this for?
• Unpaid carers supporting family, friends, and loved ones.
• Professional carers and community workers looking for gentle wellbeing tools.
• Anyone interested in aromatherapy, sensory meditation, and touch-based
connection for self-care and supporting others.
What to Expect
• Gentle, accessible wellbeing techniques.
• Small, supportive group space.
• Practical tools to take home — including blends and techniques to use in daily life.
• Time to pause, reflect, and reconnect.
✨ Come as you are — whether you’re overwhelmed or seeking a moment of peace, these sessions are for you.
For more information, contact: Ying Liu, Email: aromaticdroplets@gmail.com

Facilitator Bio- Ying Liu
I am a clinical aromatherapist, specialised in oncology massage and terminal illness care. I am also a teacher of Aromacare Carer Training, a programme designed for carers who have limited time and dynamic lifestyles. Through my professional practice and volunteering work in hospices, I have seen first-hand how carers often feel unseen and unsupported. They need tangible, practical tools to enhance their own wellbeing while continuing to care for others.
This event series is designed to offer those tools—through hands-on learning, gentle touch techniques, and creative self-care activities—to help individuals integrate small but meaningful moments of restoration into their daily lives.

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)

The Big Yin
2025-09-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Studio, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
Come join us at the Salisbury Centre for a 90 minutes of yin yoga and guided meditation on the last Friday of each month; the perfect way to close off the month and start your weekend feeling refreshed and renewed.
Tickets £15

Sign up here!

Queer POC Safe Spaces Hosted by Saffron Cherry
2025-09-27 18:00 - 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)

Somatic Sanctuary
2025-09-28 11:00 - 17:00 | Studio, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
A Nourishing Day of Yoga & Authentic Relating

Are you desiring a safe, nurturing space to take time off from the demands of life, and show up authentically with a range of open-hearted humans?

This September, you are warmly invited to take a long exhale, digital detox & connect with yourself & others in the Salisbury Centre’s serene upstairs studio (& if it’s warm & dry enough we can also enjoy the garden!)
This full day combines Hatha & Yin yoga with the communication modality of Authentic Relating to offer a deliciously restorative day of self care and open hearted connection.
After taking this precious Sunday for yourself, you are likely to step into the week ahead with a profound sense of well-being, a remarkable connection to your body and an experiential toolkit that you can use right away to make your everyday life even better.

28th September, 11am to 5pm

£45 – Low income ticket
£55 – Medium income ticket
£65 – High income ticket
Sign up here

About the Facilitator – Laurie King
I’m Laurie (he/him), a queer British-Kiwi who’s current home-base is Berlin. My passion is creating spaces that cultivate healthy, thriving human-to-human relationships, helping people take off their masks, feel their sensations and celebrate their aliveness on Earth. Since 2019, I have organised and facilitated hundreds of Authentic Relating, Dating and Embodiment workshops across Oceania and Europe.
My training includes World Peace Yoga School (250 hours), The Embody Lab, Authentic Revolution, and Connection Institute. I have facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch and Ignite, and organisations such as ART International and Authentic Bay Area.
My workshops have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. I look forward to holding space for you!
I also offer online Holistic Coaching sessions, inspired by Authentic Relating, Positive Intelligence and Somatic Experiencing techniques.
For more information, check out itoiauthenticrelating.com.
For Insta, check out @itoiauthentic

Move, Rest, Relate
2025-09-28 11:00 - 17:00 | Studio, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
A day of Yoga & Authentic Relating

“I had the pleasure of attending one of Laurie’s wonderful self-care days. The experience and the venue were very restorative for my nervous system. Connectivity through a delicious winding path of interactive games and expression experiences lead me to a very open and receptive creative space. So restful. So good. Highly recommend. Amazing facilitation.” – Lily
Are you desiring a safe, nurturing space to take time off from the demands of life, and show up authentically with a range of open-hearted humans?
This September, you are warmly invited to take a long exhale, digital detox & connect with yourself & others in the Salisbury Centre’s serene upstairs studio (& if it’s warm & dry enough we can also enjoy the garden!)
This full day combines Hatha & Yin yoga with the communication modality of Authentic Relating to offer a deliciously restorative day of self-care and connection.
After taking this precious Sunday for yourself, you are likely to step into the week ahead with a profound sense of well-being, a remarkable connection to your body and an experiential toolkit that you can use right away to make your everyday life even better.
WHO is this day for?
Essentially, this day is for you if you have been feeling stressed, overwhelmed and/or lacking meaningful connection in your life, and need some time to recentre, reground and reconnect.
My experience includes working with Highly Sensitive People (HSPs); neurodiverse people; people suffering from anxiety and depression; people going through major life shifts; and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
No prior experience of Yoga or Authentic Relating is necessary to take part in this workshop.
If you have any questions about whether the workshop would suit you, pop me a message and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
WHAT will actually happen?
We will sandwich the interpersonal connection activities of Authentic Relating with Hatha Yoga at the beginning (to both ground & energise you) and Yin Yoga at the end (to help you gently integrate the day).
Hatha Yoga is a steady, grounding practice that combines longer asanas (postures) with steady pranayama (breathwork) to restore balance in body and mind. Rooted in ancient tradition, it supports strength, flexibility, and inner calm by harmonising the active (sun) and receptive (moon) energies within us.
Authentic Relating is an interpersonal meditation. It is the practice of listening and speaking in deeper awareness of our present moment sensations, curiosities and boundaries, allowing us to weave richer, more truthful and loving human-to-human connections. Some exercises will involve (consensual) platonic touch.
Yin Yoga focuses on deeply relaxing the nervous system, by bringing fresh life force (prana) to your connective tissue and vital organs. Through deep stretches, long holds, and mindful breathing, your body is given permission to fully release any tension that has accumulated over time.
Together, we will create a rich container to explore the many layers of our human experience, to invite loving, consensual touch, and arrive more deeply into present moment awareness.
Through these enriching practices, we can understand and celebrate the treasures of interpersonal relating, as well as connection to self.
WHERE will it be?
The event will take place at the beautiful urban sanctuary of The Salisbury Centre (2 Salisbury Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5AB, United Kingdom).
The FACILITATOR
Laurie King
I’m Laurie (he/him), a queer British-Kiwi who’s current home-base is Berlin. My passion is creating spaces that cultivate healthy, thriving human-to-human relationships, helping people take off their masks, feel their sensations and celebrate their aliveness on Earth. Since 2019, I have organised and facilitated hundreds of Authentic Relating, Dating and Embodiment workshops across Oceania and Europe.
My training includes World Peace Yoga School (250 hours), The Embody Lab, Authentic Revolution, and Connection Institute. I have facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch and Ignite, and organisations such as ART International and Authentic Bay Area.
My workshops have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. I look forward to holding space for you!
I also offer online Holistic Coaching sessions, inspired by Authentic Relating, Positive Intelligence and Somatic Experiencing techniques.
For more information, check out itoiauthenticrelating.com.
For Insta, check out @itoiauthentic
Laurie has offered many connection workshops in Amsterdam, Berlin, Boulder, Portland, Melbourne & Auckland, as well as Edinburgh. Here’s what others have said:
“Thanks to this workshop, I was able to let go more than ever before, and really let in non-sexual, loving, supportive touch. Thank you to Laurie for offering another step up the mountain of growth & healing” – Samantha
“Thank you so much for creating a space in which such well-aligned people could come together. I can’t think of the last time I met so many wonderful, open-minded people in one go like that. It was a real pleasure” – John”
I live with complex PTSD and anxiety so in the past I have really struggled to open up to people and build meaningful connections. Discovering these workshops has been a life changer and both my therapist and I are thrilled with how my confidence has blossomed in recent months. Laurie’s time and generosity really means the world to me” – Sarah
“Thank you for the beautiful workshop we shared: I really enjoyed it and there was a wonderful sense of warmth and connection in the room at the end, amazing job” – Henry
HOW MUCH will I invest?
£45 – Low income ticket
£55 – Medium income ticket
£65 – High income ticket
There are only 14 spaces so book early before it fills up!
Why are tickets sold by income?
In order to make the event as accessible as possible, there are three ticket types available. It is up to you to decide which ticket you purchase, depending on your own feelings about your level of disposable income and how much you would like to contribute for the event.
If you would really like to attend but do not have the funds for the lowest ticket option, please get in touch and we can figure something out!
Get your tickets here!
Practicalities:
Where: Studio @ The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5AB, United Kingdom.
When: Sunday 28th September, 11am to 5pm.
Dresscode: Comfortable clothing that’s easy to move in.
Food: Tea & snacks are provided. Lunch will be potluck style so please bring something to share!
Refund policy: Full refund if cancelled three weeks or more before event. 50% refund if cancelled up to one week before event. No refund if cancelled less than one week before event.

Find Your Selves: Authentic Relating Playshop
2025-09-30 07:30 - 21:30 | Studio, The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB, United Kingdom
Have you ever noticed feeling like a different person depending on the environment, social setting, mood, or even time of day? And have you felt more comfortable with some of those “versions” of you more than with others?
There are so many dimensions to the human experience. One thing this means is that over our lifetimes, we have a chance to play many different characters, roles, and learn various lessons. But… we can only do this with ease when we know how to welcome all parts of ourselves.
Meanwhile, most people have been conditioned to favour some parts over others. This is often in an effort to “fit in,” “get ahead,” or “be well-adjusted.” These motivations are all valid, and perhaps once helped us to survive.
But there are also many downsides to honouring certain parts and pushing away others.
To unlock the potential for deeper relationships to self and others, we need to be in touch with all our parts. This playshop is the first step to meeting them, getting comfortable with them, and understanding which of your parts want to be more seen.

Get your tickets here

Who is this for?
We dedicate this workshop to all those who:

Want a deeper and more stable relationship with themselves
Are eager to allow more parts of themselves into in their interpersonal relationships
Are willing to get uncomfortable in the short-term to feel more at ease in the long-term
Believe that communication skills are part of becoming a better human
Want to be guided by compassion, consciousness, and courage
Trust that more self-awareness translates into better quality of life

As much as we’re imagining this for a certain “audience”, don’t be limited by those bullet points!
If you don’t fit this description perfectly and at the same time, you’re curious… then let’s prioritise your curiosity!
What is Authentic Relating?
Authentic Relating is a ground-breaking communication modality that enables you to heartfully, playfully and courageously connect, using the tools of honesty, empathy, and active listening. The practice invites you to drop deeper into presence, embodied awareness and permission to express whatever is alive within you and the ‘we-space’ between you and other(s).
What is “Parts Work”?
Working with parts has its origins in Internal Family Systems, a framework formulated by psychologist and author Richard Schwartz. After hearing his patients describe different “parts” of themselves, he took a closer look at the relationships between those parts. He theorized that the more they “talk” to each other, the healthier a human psyche tends to be.
From there, multiple authors, therapists, and coaches have adopted this model to work with individuals and groups who want to deepen their self-awareness and relationships.
In this event, we are drawing on the theory of the parts work – while using it in the experiential context of Authentic Relating games. We will brush on some concepts but mostly, we want to experience parts work for yourself!
To explain how we think about it, here’s a couple of frames from Meg-John Barker’s illustrated zine, Plural Selves.

Practicalities
When: 30th September, 19:30-21:30. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to settle in.
Where: The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AB. We will be in the Studio which has limited accessibility. Please email if you have accessibility requirements.
Who: Marta Brzosko and Laurie King. You can read more about the facilitators and our background in the next section.
Price: £27 / £22 / £17 – See tickets link below for guidance on what to pay.
Refund policy: Refund up to 5 days before the event.
Contact: hello@martabrzosko.com & lauriesking1991@gmail.com

Get your tickets here

The facilitators
This collaboration between Laurie and Marta has been a long time in the works! We both share passion for authentic relating and connection skills, and we have been friends and “thought partners” for a few years now.
However, this is the first time we are putting our heads and hearts together to co-create an event. It feels special for us and we hope our excitement radiates into inspiring you to join us!
Laurie King

I’m Laurie (he/him), a queer British-Kiwi whose current home-base is Berlin. The digital home for my work is my website: i to i Authentic Relating.
My passion is creating spaces that cultivate healthy, thriving human-to-human relationships, helping people take off their masks, feel their sensations and celebrate their aliveness on Earth. With a background in the Vipassana meditation method, I strive to bring deeper awareness into all areas of life, especially the interpersonal.
Since 2019, I have organised and facilitated hundreds of Authentic Relating, Dating and Embodiment workshops in Oceania and Europe. My training includes Authentic Revolution, The Embody Lab, World Peace Yoga School, the Connection Institute, ISTA and Body Electric. I have facilitated at internationally acclaimed festivals such as Stretch and Ignite and organisations such as ART International.
My workshops and 1:1 sessions have sparked thousands of nourishing connections, turning many strangers into life-long friends. I look forward to holding space for you!
Marta Brzosko

I’ve been facilitating Authentic Relating and other connection events in Edinburgh and online since 2020. I’ve completed the Authentic Facilitator Training from Authentic Revolution, as well as other relational and mindfulness education – including a post-grad diploma in Mindfulness & Compassion studies. My approach is informed by Buddhist philosophy, compassion, and strive for a balance between the individual and the collective.
Day-to-day, I work and facilitate at The Salisbury Centre – one of the oldest community hubs in Edinburgh. I think of it as my spiritual home that deeply nurtures me, but also a playground for learning about relationships, group dynamics, and community building.
I’m a self-published author, writing a newsletter called Connection Hub. There, I share stories, tools, and ideas around creating authentic human connection and communities. I am preparing to move out of the city and start (or join) a collective of people committed to deep communion with Nature and each other.
