Activist becomes first woman in Bristol to receive top city award

The work of an activist who has dedicated her life to supporting women marginalised by society has been recognised with a top award.

Val Jeal, who is the first woman to ever receive the Freedom of the City of Bristol accolade, founded a number of projects, including the pioneering St Paul’s-based charity One25.

She has been described by mayor Marvin Rees as a “remarkable human being” who has made the soul of the city better and brought “real hope to people and places where there was hopelessness”.

One25 was founded in 1995 after Val realised that street sex-working women could not access the support they needed because of stigmatisation and the threat of violence.

Last year, the charity worked with 237 women, supporting them to break free of life-controlling issues like childhood abuse, homelessness, addiction and sexual exploitation. Of these, 43 exited street sex work, 134 were safer from violence, 123 were connected to specialist services and 77 developed life skills and independence.

https://twitter.com/One25Charity/status/1468264572868075530

Speaking about her work, Val said: “The important thing for me is giving voice and power to women marginalised by our society. I love and admire these women – working with them has been the greatest privilege of my life. I’ve seen them take hold of their lives and find fulfilment.

“One25 began as a pioneering service and it’s wonderful to see it now, still with a grassroots spirit and grown into professional maturity to continue to meet women’s desperate needs in Bristol.”

The award, presented to the activist on Tuesday, recognises her vital contribution to the life of the city.

Anna Smith, CEO of One25, says: “So many people in Bristol have a story of Val Jeal. Val saw how street sex-working women were trapped by poverty, violence and addiction. She fearlessly walked out into the red light district to meet them and ask how she could support them.

“Sadly, there are still hundreds of women each year that One25 offer vital support but it’s an honour for One25 supporters, volunteers and staff to continue her legacy and to give those women a voice. Val continues to inspire us all and is a key part of the One25 story.”

https://twitter.com/One25Charity/status/1467902219957805067

Rees, conferring the honour, said: “I have known Val for 25 years. I am just one of many who believes that she is a remarkable human being. Val has a humble gentleness, matched by her fearlessness and commitment to women who many have judged and not given a second thought to.

“Val is one of those people who has made the soul of our city better – bringing real hope to people and places where there was hopelessness.”

Main photo courtesy of One25

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