Two Birmingham restaurants are encouraging others across the city to support a charity campaign to battle homelessness this winter.
There are more than 500 restaurants participating in StreetSmart nationwide - where a voluntary £1 donation is added to diners’ bills, with every penny going to support local homelessness projects - across November and December.
Luke Tipping and Adam Stokes, of Michelin-starred restaurants Simpsons and Adam’s, are calling on the city’s ‘fantastic, thriving food scene’ to do more to support the cause.
Both restaurants have supported StreetSmart for many years, helping to raise thousands for homeless charities in the city such as St Basil’s, which works with young homeless people to help them find a home, develop their skills and access opportunities.
Adam Stokes, owner of Adam’s Restaurant, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the StreetSmart charity campaign once again this year. Being based in the city centre we have seen first hand how the pandemic has impacted homelessness. The past 18 months have been devastating for so many which has only created more need for these vital funds.
“We believe that with Birmingham’s fantastic, thriving food scene, we can do more as a city to support this wonderful cause. Restaurants are still able to join for this year, so we are urging as many as possible to reach out to the StreetSmart team.”
Simpsons, based in Edgbaston, echoed the call out with executive director and chef Luke Tipping saying: “Homelessness is tough at any time of year but as the temperature drops it becomes even more hazardous. I’m a great believer in giving back to those less fortunate and I hope my fellow chefs and diners will do their bit to make life a little easier for those on the streets this year.”
StreetSmart has raised over £10 million since its foundation, with more than 50 homelessness charities now benefiting each year, with funds supporting services like the creation of beds, housing, mental health advice and training and job support.
Barrie Hodge, head of fundraising and communications at St Basils, said: “The commitment from Adams and Simpsons to our cause over the years has been hugely appreciated. The situation for those facing homelessness is a dire one, and it is only with the support of places like theirs that we are able to continue providing the support to those who need it most.
“We thank them for encouraging others to join the incredible StreetSmart campaign, a hugely important initiative that has helped so many charities like ours.”
Glenn Pougnet, director at StreetSmart, said: “The support we’ve received this year from restaurateurs is humbling given everything the industry has been through. They are at the heart of their communities and want to give back where they can and that’s especially true of our participants and their diners in Birmingham.”
