Welfare, Substance Policy, Inclusion and Safeguarding

At Solent Fetish Meets (SFM), the safety, dignity and support of every guest are our top priorities.

All our events are strictly for over 18s only, and both SFM and our venues operate a Challenge 25 policy. Please bring valid photo ID if you look under 25.

This policy explains how we look after physical and mental wellbeing, how we handle alcohol and drugs, how we support inclusion and diversity, and what we do if there are concerns about harassment, assault or abuse.

1. General Welfare and Wellbeing

We aim to create a welcoming, non‑judgemental environment for all attendees.

We encourage everyone to look after their own emotional and physical health and to check in on friends and partners.

If you feel distressed, overwhelmed or unsafe at any time, please speak to an organiser as soon as you can.

2. Alcohol and Drugs

Illegal drugs and illegal substances are strictly prohibited at any SFM event or venue.

Please consume alcohol responsibly. Being drunk is never an excuse for ignoring consent, harassing others or breaking event rules.

If you use prescription medication, you must bring the prescription and a photo ID that matches the name on it, and let an organiser know if you need any support.

3. Mental Health and Emotional Care

We recognise that kink and fetish spaces can bring up strong emotions and past experiences.

If you experience panic, distress or a mental health crisis, our organisers are available for a calm, confidential chat and to provide a safe space for you to decompress.

Where appropriate, we can signpost you to external mental health and support services.

4. Anti‑Discrimination

Solent Fetish Meets does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

This includes, but is not limited to, racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, religious or belief‑based discrimination, discrimination based on HIV status or other health conditions, and body shaming.

Any behaviour that targets someone for who they are, or makes them feel unsafe, unwelcome or degraded, may result in you being asked to leave and/or being banned from future events.

If you experience or witness discrimination, please speak to an organiser or venue staff as soon as you feel able.

You will be listened to, taken seriously, and we will act to help keep you safe.

5. LGBTQIA+ Inclusion and Diversity

Solent Fetish Meets is proudly LGBTQIA+ inclusive.

Our events are for adults of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, relationship styles and kink interests, as long as everyone behaves with respect and follows our rules.

We welcome, support and respect (including but not limited to) lesbian, gay, bi, pan, queer and asexual people; trans, non‑binary, genderqueer, intersex and questioning people; people in mono, open, polyamorous and other consensual relationship styles; and people of all bodies, backgrounds, cultures and faiths.

We do not tolerate homophobia, biphobia, transphobia or any hostility towards LGBTQIA+ people.

We do not accept misgendering or refusal to use someone’s stated name or pronouns.

We do not accept mocking, outing or shaming someone for their identity, orientation, HIV status, health or kink interests.

If you experience or witness behaviour that targets someone for being LGBTQIA+, or makes them feel unsafe or unwelcome, please speak to an organiser or venue staff as soon as you feel able.

We will listen, take it seriously and act to help keep you safe.

6. Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape

SFM has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape or any non‑consensual behaviour.

Harassment includes unwanted touching, comments, messages or behaviour of a sexual nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

If you experience or witness harassment, assault or rape (recent or historic), please report it to an organiser as soon as you feel able.

We will listen to you, believe you and take your report seriously.

We will prioritise your safety and wishes as far as we reasonably can.

We will take appropriate action, which may include removing the person from the event and/or banning them from future events.

You will never be forced to confront the person you are reporting.

7. Safeguarding in Venues – “Ask for Angela / Ask for Clive”

Our venues support UK safeguarding schemes such as “Ask for Angela” and/or “Ask for Clive”.

If you feel unsafe, harassed, pressured, or are worried about someone else, you can go to the bar or a member of venue staff and quietly “Ask for Angela” or “Ask for Clive”.

This is a discreet code phrase that lets staff know you need help.

They will follow their safeguarding procedures, which may include moving you to a safe area, arranging a safe way for you to leave, or contacting emergency services if needed.

You can also come directly to an SFM organiser at any time.

8. Support from SFM and External Organisations

The founder and organisers of SFM are available during events to offer initial support, listen to concerns and help you feel safe.

If an issue is beyond what we can safely or appropriately handle, we will be honest about our limits.

We will help you access specialist support from trusted charities and organisations (for example, those dealing with sexual violence, domestic abuse, LGBTQ+ support, mental health or substance use).

We can provide contact details and, where appropriate, help you make first contact with these services.

9. Confidentiality and Reporting

Welfare conversations are treated as confidential.

Information is only shared when you ask us to, when we believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or when we are required to do so by law.

We encourage anyone with concerns about welfare, drugs, alcohol, discrimination or safeguarding to speak to an organiser as early as possible so we can help.