StreetSmart launches annual fundraising campaign

StreetSmart has launched its annual campaign to tackle homelessness.

Over 600 restaurants are participating in the scheme this year, ranging from Mana in Manchester to Box E in Bristol.

Some restaurants, including St John, the River Café and Simpsons have taken part in the campaign for more than 20 years, while more recent additions include the likes of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd in Staffordshire and Ynyshir in Wales.

Gastropubs including the Wells in London’s Hampstead, the Gunton Arms in Norfolk and the Plume of Feathers in Newquay are also enrolled in the scheme.

Between November and December, guests who dine at participating venues can donate £1 per table in support of those who are facing homelessness on a daily basis.

Figures showed that across England, 3,704 people were sleeping rough on a single night in June 2024, up 28% on June 2023.

Last year, Streetsmart raised more than £1m from the £1 donations, which was used to support over 50 homelessness organisations across the country.

Simon Martin, chef-patron of Mana, said: “The team at Mana are keen to work with StreetSmart every winter. We feel a responsibility to promote such a meaningful cause, knowing that real action is being taken to improve lives.”

Chef Pierre Koffmann added: "Home is one of the most important things in life: for shelter, of course, but also for self-respect and a sense of belonging. Supporting StreetSmart is a simple way to help people whose lives are painful in ways we can hardly imagine.”

Streetsmart was founded in 1998 and has since raised over £13m.