For a decade, Womankind Yoga has been offering Beach Yoga classes on Swansea Bay, operating on a donation-based model. The primary goal is, and always has been, to ensure that the classes are accessible to as many individuals as possible, irrespective of their income status.

However, a recent introduction of a usage fee of £24.15 by Swansea Council threatens this initiative. This fee to 'rent' the beach directly undermines our ability to operate based on contributions, threatening the future of Beach Yoga on Swansea Bay as we know it. When any economic barrier stands between potential attendees and our yoga classes, our ability to open doors wide and welcome all – regardless of whether they can offer a donation – to join us on the mat, is severely impeded.

According to the British Heart Foundation, yoga can help lower heart disease risk, decrease blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. This beach-based offering, that pushes us towards a healthier community through yoga must not only survive, but thrive.

To ensure the continued accessibility of this holistic experience, we urge Swansea Council to reconsider, and scrap the proposed usage fee. This step back will be a monumental step forward in promoting wellness, inclusivity, and community spirit in Swansea.

Please sign this petition today and help #freethebeach and #savebeachyoga.