My name is Julia Turner, and I run BYOB Choir (Bring Your Own Baby) in three Bristol Parks. These classes aim to make the critical postnatal period a bit easier for new mothers, fostering a sense of community, creativity and wellbeing. I aim to make the classes affordable and accessible to all parents but this is becoming increasingly difficult due to inflation and the cost of living crisis. 

Despite complaints from the public, Bristol City Council have this month imposed a fee structure for using public parks and green spaces which favours dog walking businesses over services like mine. It's incredibly insulting and disheartening to be charged more for providing a class that supports the wellbeing of new mothers than professional dog walkers pay to use these spaces. This disparity sends a troubling message about the value placed on essential postnatal services compared to commercial dog walking.

99% of the problems I've encountered in parks are related to dog waste and mismanaged behaviour. Yet priority is given to dog walking businesses rather than initiatives aimed at improving the lives of new parents during such a vulnerable time.

Postnatal depression is a significant risk for many new mothers, and the community atmosphere created by these wellbeing classes can be a lifeline. It is crucial that Bristol City Council re-evaluates its current rate policies to support postnatal wellbeing classes, not just for those of us offering these services, but for all the families who rely on them.

Please join me in urging the Bristol City Council to reconsider their park fee structure and prioritise the welfare of our new parents and their babies. Sharing your support for this cause can prompt needed change. Sign this petition and help us advocate for equal opportunities and support for postnatal wellbeing in Bristol's public spaces.