We’re delighted that Emily from Happity is nominated for the Petition Campaign of the Year Award!

She is nominated along with James and Jessie Zammit-Garcia and Bethany Power. All four are nominated for their campaigns supporting parents in the pandemic.

Happity’s petition campaign in the pandemic

We began our campaign in May 2020. Shortly after we went into lockdown. Emily was keen to share her own experience of PND, as well as her concerns for new families during Covid – including why parent and child classes are so vital for parental mental health.

More than 70,000 people have since had their say on this issue. As a result the Committee published report was published in July 2020.

Getting parent and child classes in the guidance

Happity set up a second petition to issue urgent guidance and a voucher scheme to save baby & toddler activity sector. It received more than 14,000 signatures. Which is amazing!

The result of this petition is that important clarifications are now added to the Covid guidance for baby and toddler groups. Finally parent and child groups have been added to the guidelines!

The response to our petition campaign

Catherine McKinnell, Chair of the Petitions Committee says:

“Because of these petitioners’ drive for change, many who otherwise might not have had the support they need will be able to access these groups. During what has been, and continues to be, an extremely challenging time for new parents.

These campaigns are a testament to the power of petitions to raise awareness of issues that might otherwise struggle to be heard in Parliament. 

The nominees have each shown how to organise a successful campaign. Building on their petitions by gathering support from the wider public, charities and others who share their concerns. 

I have been so impressed by our nominees’ passion, determination, and ideas. For how to tackle the problems they’ve set their minds to, and congratulate them on their achievements.”

Happity in the media

Emily spoke on BBC Radio about the award, which you can listen to here (go to 1hr 6mins).

We want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who supported our mission to get clear guidance for baby & toddler classes. You can do a little happy dance every time you see “parent and child classes” in the Covid Roadmap. And can say “I did that!”