StreetSmart, the charity which raises funds to help homeless people, this week launched its annual pre-Christmas campaign asking restaurant diners to add a donation of £1 per table to their bill. More than 450 restaurants have signed up to participate in the scheme, including many of British gastronomy’s most high-profile names.

Chef Jackson Boxer, of London’s Brunswick House and Orasay, explains why he is a supporter: “Winter, as we gather in warm, comforting restaurants, should also be a time to think on how we can provide the most basic and essential human needs for every person: food, shelter, care. We are not proud that we have to support StreetSmart, but all the more reason to do so.” 

StreetSmart is seeking to raise at least £500,000 this year, in part to make up for last year’s Christmas lockdown, which reduced total donations to £180,000 – down from £760,000 in 2019. This winter, up to 400,000 individuals are believed to be in danger of homelessness this winter, with the lifting of a ban on evictions at the height of the pandemic. Many are expected to end up sleeping rough on the streets.

Diners looking for a participating restaurant near them can search geographically via the organisation’s website, StreetSmart.org.uk. Founded in 1998, it has raised more than £10m to date and supports more than 50 local charities that provide a safe place to sleep as well as support services, job training and advice.