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Simon Keen

@simonldn.bsky.social

Formerly West Country, now Londoner, working in communities and social policy comms for City Hall. Second attempt at BlueSky for a nicer place to discuss work, happenings in #London, and anything else really. All views my own. Reposts not an endorsement.

83 Followers  |  224 Following  |  13 Posts  |  Joined: 11.10.2024  |  2.6246

Latest posts by simonldn.bsky.social on Bluesky

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Cool Spaces Cool Spaces Map displays indoor venues open to all where Londoners can take respite on hot days.

If you’re out and about in London, there are 4,000 water refill points and more than 100 water fountains across the city, plus cool spaces where you can take respite from the heat.

Find both on our Cool Spaces map: apps.london.gov.uk/cool-spaces/

30.06.2025 08:27 β€” πŸ‘ 32    πŸ” 12    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 2

The news from India is deeply distressing. My thoughts are with the family & friends of those on board the Air India flightβ€”I can only imagine how devastating this must be.

I’m in close contact with the Government & Indian High Commission. More information from Air India:

12.06.2025 10:25 β€” πŸ‘ 352    πŸ” 39    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 3
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Home Register to be a blood donor, give blood and save lives. Find out more about blood donation.

πŸ“’ #NationalBloodWeek starts today – and there is a critical need for blood right now.

🩸@GiveBloodNHS particularly need blood from donors of Black heritage to treat sickle cell disease.

πŸ™Each donation can save up to 3 lives.

πŸ—“οΈBook an appointment: www.blood.co.uk

09.06.2025 10:55 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Londonersβ€”your voice matters.

The State of London Debate is happening on 12 June. It’s your chance to ask questions and help shape the future of our city.

Join the conversation. Register now: www.london.gov.uk/events/state...

05.06.2025 08:11 β€” πŸ‘ 22    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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UK-EU youth mobility scheme is essential to reverse Brexit damage and rocket launch the economy, writes Sir Sadiq Khan A new UK-EU youth mobility scheme is vital to building a more dynamic, successful and prosperous London for everyone.

A UK-EU youth mobility scheme would make it easier for the Government to fulfil its growth ambitions.

I wrote for LBC on why I’ve long urged the Prime Minister and British negotiators to pull out all the stops to get it over the line.

16.05.2025 14:40 β€” πŸ‘ 120    πŸ” 27    πŸ’¬ 6    πŸ“Œ 2

For #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek take #ZeroSuicideLDN free, online suicide prevention training.

It will teach you how to spot the signs of suicide and have a life-saving conversation with those in your community.

No one should feel alone when they’re struggling πŸ‘‡πŸ“£

thriveldn.co.uk/zerosuicideldn

12.05.2025 07:56 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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English, Muslim, European – and Proud of Every Part of My Identity, writes Sir Sadiq Khan Last Wednesday, many of us flew the English flag with pride as we marked St George’s Day.

Modern England is a tapestry of various cultures, faiths, histories and influencesβ€”bound together by the values of democracy, decency, fairness and respect.

We cannot be complacent amid a concerted effort to normalise views that were once rightly consigned to the fringes.

01.05.2025 07:06 β€” πŸ‘ 263    πŸ” 42    πŸ’¬ 6    πŸ“Œ 2
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NEW: City Hall hosts London’s first ever International VAWG Summit.

Violence against women and girls is a global epidemic. Together we’re sharing solutions to make our streets safer and committing to working together to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence.

29.04.2025 15:14 β€” πŸ‘ 48    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
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London's al fresco and late-night dreams could soon be a reality β€” and this is how Let’s set the scene: it’s a balmy Friday evening, night falls and the streets are buzzing with the hum of conversation and outdoor dining, music spills out from the bars.

β€œIt’s time to call last orders on red tape and get behind our nightlife.”

My colleague @justinesimons.bsky.social writes about how the government’s plan to give the Mayor strategic licensing powers will help boost London’s bars, pubs and music venues. www.standard.co.uk/comment/soho...

12.04.2025 17:37 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Proud to partner with the brilliant @workrights.bsky.social to tackle exploitation of migrant workers. Everyone deserves fair treatment at work, no matter their background.
Β 
The Mayor's (@london.gov.uk) Employment Rights Hub helps all Londoners know their rights
Β 
www.london.gov.uk/programmes-s...

09.04.2025 15:52 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Mayor's Community Weekend funding programme 2025 The National Lottery Community Fund and the Mayor of London are delighted to announce the return of the Mayor’s Community Weekend to London in September 2025.

The Mayor of London’s Community Weekend is back!

Applications are now open for funding to deliver community-based events & activities across the city at this year’s Mayor's Community Weekend.

More information and how to apply πŸ‘‡
shorturl.at/1j0jS

@london.gov.uk @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

09.04.2025 13:59 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Help with the cost of living Find out what support is available to help you manage the cost of living in London.

I understand the significant strain that rising household bills place on Londoners.

If you’re struggling, free, expert advice is available through the services we fundβ€”London Citizens Advice and the London Legal Support Trustβ€”to help you access the support you’re entitled to.

01.04.2025 15:02 β€” πŸ‘ 44    πŸ” 20    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Equity, diversity and inclusion make London a better place to live and work At City Hall, we’re proud to have equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of all our work.

Equity, diversity and inclusion has now become weaponised, with misconceptions fuelling hostility towards these efforts. In my article for @lbc.co.uk, I outline why City Hall is proud to champion our richly diverse city and communities.

www.lbc.co.uk/opinion/view...

31.03.2025 17:12 β€” πŸ‘ 53    πŸ” 11    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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High pollution alert issued for London Londoners are asked to switch off vehicle engines when idling and to refrain from burning garden waste.

City Hall has issued a high pollution alert for London due to air pollution from mainland Europe.

I urge Londoners to look after themselves and protect those with conditions such as asthma. This includes refraining from engine idling and burning wood or garden waste.

20.03.2025 13:46 β€” πŸ‘ 85    πŸ” 35    πŸ’¬ 7    πŸ“Œ 4
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Keeping Faith Together with Dr. Debbie-Weekes Bernard (London's Deputy Mayor for Social Justice and Communities) - Keeping Faith: A How To Guide Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of gender-based violence, including femicide. Please listen with care.  How did the pandemic shine new light on the role of faith and interfaith...

Great conversation on Keeping Faith: A How-To Guide for #IWD2025.

We discussed the incredible work women of faith are doing to support communities, the rise in misogyny, and the Mayor's Β£230m investment in initiatives to tackle violence against women & girls.

🎧 tinyurl.com/y47m4tcz @london.gov.uk

12.03.2025 16:19 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Dramatic fall in London’s levels of deadly pollutants after Ulez expansion People in capital breathing much cleaner air, with significant improvements in capital’s most deprived areas

Expanding ULEZ: it wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right one for Londoners’ health.

The latest figures back that up:

10.03.2025 12:15 β€” πŸ‘ 247    πŸ” 28    πŸ’¬ 5    πŸ“Œ 1

After a year of the #ULEZ expansion every Londoner is breathing cleaner air. πŸ™Œ

I’m pleased that some of London’s most deprived communities are seeing huge benefits with an 80% reduction in people who live near London’s busiest roads exposed to illegal levels of pollution.

07.03.2025 13:33 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A graphic with a blue sky background and white clouds. The text reads: "Harmful NO2 levels are estimated to be lower in 2024 compared to a scenario without ULEZ". The reductions are listed as follows: Central London – 54% lower, Inner London – 29% lower, Outer London – 24% lower. A source link at the bottom reads: london.gov.uk/ulez.

A graphic with a blue sky background and white clouds. The text reads: "Harmful NO2 levels are estimated to be lower in 2024 compared to a scenario without ULEZ". The reductions are listed as follows: Central London – 54% lower, Inner London – 29% lower, Outer London – 24% lower. A source link at the bottom reads: london.gov.uk/ulez.

ULEZ works. It’s that simple.

Expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but the latest figures show that it was the right one for the health of millions of Londoners.

07.03.2025 07:34 β€” πŸ‘ 1893    πŸ” 438    πŸ’¬ 64    πŸ“Œ 61

πŸ’¬ All Londoners I speak to have an opinion on Oxford Street. This is your chance to have your say on making it fit for the future.

#London #OxfordStreet

03.03.2025 13:57 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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SL11 - Proposed express bus service between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood We would like your feedback on proposals to renumber bus route 472 as route SL11. We would then operate the SL11 as a limited-stop express service, between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood via Woolwich ...

I’m pleased to announce that TfL is inviting Londoners to share their thoughts on the next proposed Superloop express bus route between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich.

The plans for this express service will connect even more places in outer London. Have your say ⬇️

03.03.2025 12:00 β€” πŸ‘ 39    πŸ” 11    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

🚨 NEW 🚨 Updated list of all the UK MPs on Bluesky πŸ‘‡

Labour – 248
Liberal Democrats – 40
Conservative – 4
Green – 4
Independent – 3
SNP – 2
Alliance, Plaid Cymru, SDLP – 1 each

And Commons Speaker @commonsspeaker.parliament.uk

17.02.2025 17:11 β€” πŸ‘ 219    πŸ” 66    πŸ’¬ 17    πŸ“Œ 10
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We all make London the city it is today. Loved and Wanted celebrates our city’s enduring spirit of respect, unity and togetherness. We support the @mayoroflondon.bsky.social new campaign! It is its message to all of London's communities.

@mayoroflondon.bsky.social

#LovedAndWanted

17.02.2025 09:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Moving beyond the abrasive language of 'tolerance' and regulatory terms like 'cohesion', I was delighted to speak at @london.gov.uk communities event about the new #lovedandwanted campaign representing @runnymedetrust.bsky.social
Thanks to @debbieweekesb.bsky.social for her leadership on this 🩷

05.02.2025 07:21 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Here is my message to all Londoners, organisations, faith & community groups who work night and day to ensure people in London feel #LovedandWanted πŸ’Œ

Thankyou ❀️

14.02.2025 15:01 β€” πŸ‘ 27    πŸ” 12    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

🎧 Recommend a listen to Deputy Mayor of London @debbieweekesb.bsky.social and @melissasigodo.bsky.social in #thespace.

An authentic and important conversation but some difficult topics covered. It struck me how quickly things have changed and not for the better in recent months.

17.02.2025 11:50 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
You Are Loved & Wanted In London | Mayor of London
YouTube video by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan You Are Loved & Wanted In London | Mayor of London

Imagine a place where everyone is free to be who they want to be and love who they want to love. That’s London.

In these uncertain times, please know that you will always be loved and wanted in our city.

14.02.2025 10:14 β€” πŸ‘ 253    πŸ” 55    πŸ’¬ 6    πŸ“Œ 4
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Ukrainians can bring children to UK as visa changes reversed Charities say changes brought in without notice last February left families torn apart.

This is incredibly welcome news and will be a relief to the Ukrainian community in London. It’s an important step towards reuniting families separated by war

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

31.01.2025 16:30 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Man at podium giving speech

Man at podium giving speech

London Assembly members listening to speech.

London Assembly members listening to speech.

Man and woman lighting sticks from a candle

Man and woman lighting sticks from a candle

Last week, to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, Assembly Members attended City Hall’s annual service and the Chair of the London Assembly gave a speech.

27.01.2025 10:59 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
For A Better Future: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan Commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day at City Hall
YouTube video by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan For A Better Future: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan Commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day at City Hall

Holocaust Memorial Day provides an important moment to listen to survivors' stories & reflect on some of humanity’s darkest chapters.

As divisions within our society increase, it’s crucial to remember that we have far more in common than that which divides us. #HMD

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW63...

27.01.2025 09:00 β€” πŸ‘ 104    πŸ” 25    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

This year alone, 12k blood donors of Black heritage will be needed to treat diseases such as sickle cell, which disproportionately affects Black communities🩸

The new Brixton donor centre can make a huge difference, but we need communities to register πŸ‘‡

blood.co.uk

23.01.2025 09:11 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@simonldn is following 20 prominent accounts