Simon Jeal

“Simon has lived in Penge and Cator ward since 2010 as was elected as a Councillor for the ward in 2018. He is currently Deputy Labour of the Bromley Labour Group and sits on the Executive, Resources and Commissioning, Education Children’s and Families and Pensions committees.”

“Simon is Chair of Penge Partners, the group of volunteers who organise the annual Penge Festival and other community events.”

“He also volunteers as a trustee for three local charities: Bromley Relief in Need (which provides small grants for those struggling to provide essential items like cookers, beds and fridges) Bromley Experts by Experience (a user led deaf and disabled people’s organisation) and the newly launched Journey to Freedom Fund (which supports Bromley and Croydon Women’s Aid in providing emergency items for women and children leaving refuges having fled domestic abuse.)”

“He also volunteers as Vice Chair of the Civilian Committee for 1903 Penge and Beckenham Air Cadet Squadron, as a Team Leader for Bromley Homeless Shelter, a mentor for University of Greenwich Business School students and until recently as a volunteer tutor in English for the Access Project and supporting the Friends of Crystal Palace Park Dinosaurs.”

“Outside of Council and Community work, Simon works part time in a Senior Compliance role for an Asset Management Firm.”

“Simon came out as bi during a full council meeting in 2019, while proposing a motion supporting LGBT+ Inclusive sex and relationship education in Bromley schools. He organised Bromley Labour’s first ever Pride event and supports organisations such as GiveOUT- which provide funding for LGBT+ groups in countries around the world that advocate and campaign for LGBT+ rights.”

“He is also a passionate supporter of the climate strike movement and campaigning for emissions reduction, he has marched with and provided advice and training to local climate striker students from Bromley Schools. He proposed that Bromley Council declare climate emergency (which the Conservatives rejected) and continues to advocate for more action to tackle the climate crisis locally and at national level.”

“Having experienced mental health crises in his teenage years and more recently due to work related causes, Simon has spoken openly about his experiences in council committees as part of scrutinising the council and CCG’s Joint Mental Health Strategy- this led to him joining a task group which provided input to improve and develop the strategy to ensure it better met the differing needs of Bromley residents.”