StreetSmart’s 25 th annual campaign to raise vital funds to support homeless people in the UK launches

The StreetSmart campaign, now in its 25th year, is back and encouraging diners to help tackle homelessness throughout the UK by donating £1 per table at the many restaurants, pubs, bars and hotels taking part in the scheme during the busy build up to Christmas.

Hundreds of restaurants have signed up including Celentano’s and The Gannet in Glasgow, & Martin Wishart and Argile in Edinburgh. 

Sam Carter, Chef at a Michelin Star Restaurant 22 in Cambridge says: “We at Restaurant 22 have been supporting StreetSmart since our opening. Year on year, we have seen the invaluable work StreetSmart continues to do. With one of the benefiting shelters right around the corner from us, we see it as an excellent way for us and our guests to make a difference to those who need it most in our community.”

The list of participants highlights the variety of establishments trying to do their bit for the cause with the likes of Selfridges and Harvey Nichols joining restaurant groups like D&D London, Ottolenghi, Burger & Lobster and MEATliquor who have all generously raised thousands of pounds in the past.

Luke Tipping, Chef at Michelin Star restaurant Simpsons in Birmingham says: “I’m so happy to be supporting the amazing StreetSmart charity again this year. We’ve been involved for twenty years, it’s wonderful seeing so many fantastic restaurants on board all over the country, all being able to help those less fortunate than ourselves”.

It’s through targeted local charity partnerships that StreetSmart is able to deliver tangible, positive impacts that benefit the communities tackling the pernicious problem of homelessness. 

The latest annual figures show that 157,640 families were homeless in 2023 which is 12% higher than before Covid. Add to that the rising number of rough sleepers in our cities and it’s clear that extra help is required across the UK here and now.

Matt Tebbutt, British Chef and Food presenter said: “We all love a good meal out with friends, especially at Christmas time, and StreetSmart allows you to enjoy that pleasure but at the same time do something meaningful for others. No one should be without a place they can call home.” 

StreetSmart operates in 24 cities across the UK. Over 50 projects benefit each year, and this year with the support of more than 560 restaurants nationally the charity hopes to beat last year’s fundraising total of £786,000 raised. These funds will provide services which include the supply of beds, housing, employment training and relevant mental health and job support.

What’s more, due to the pioneering way StreetSmart is funded, 100% of the money raised at the restaurants goes to help those in need, as the charity’s partner LandAid covers the costs of the campaign.

Monica Galetti, Chef and Masterchef presenter adds “Anything we can do to alleviate the pain of homelessness, especially at this time, is worthwhile. With StreetSmart it is so easy and 100% of the money raised goes direct to people most in need.”