StreetSmart, the initiative that brings Manchester’s hospitality industry together each year to raise funds for those facing homelessness, has launched their 25th campaign this November. There are 15 fantastic restaurants in Manchester taking part already and StreetSmart are urging even more restaurants to sign up and help tackle homelessness this Christmas.
The scheme works by participating restaurants adding £1 to every bill they deliver over November and December, with all money raised by the campaign going directly to local homeless organisations. Through this simple act of adding the voluntary £1 to diners’ bills during the festive period, Greater Manchester restaurants will make a big difference to local charitable projects that support those facing homelessness, living on the streets and in unsuitable accommodation.
The funds raised by StreetSmart here in Greater Manchester will go towards the critical work of organisations including Centrepoint Manchester and The Booth Centre. All of these homegrown charities and initiatives aim to provide a bed and personal support for anyone who is sleeping rough or is at imminent risk of homelessness.
All the charities that StreetSmart will fund are focused on helping individuals break the cycle, regain their dignity and rebuild their lives via positive action, as well as providing crisis and emergency shelter and food during the current cost of living crisis. In previous years, StreetSmart has seen an incredible £34,000 raised by Manchester restaurants and with so many pressures on homeless charities right now (with demand sadly soaring over the last 12 months) the StreetSmart team are keen to make this a record breaking year.
Glenn Pougnet, Director of StreetSmart said: “We are so grateful to the local restaurants who have come together to make a difference this year and we know that the generosity of Greater Mancunians will play a huge part too. Sadly, it is always the poorest in society who are most deeply affected by challenges like the cost of living crisis, which means that the work of the charities that we support becomes even more important right now.
“Our mission to eradicate homelessness from the streets remains firmly at the heart of what we do at StreetSmart, and we’d love to welcome even more restaurants to the scheme this Christmas. Please get in touch!”
One of the restaurants taking part in StreetSmart 2023 is Michelin-starred Ancoats restaurant, mana. Simon Martin, Chef Patron at mana, said: “The team at mana are keen to work with StreetSmart again this winter. We are proud of our quiet corner of Manchester, but it does not shelter us from the reality of homelessness. We feel a responsibility to promote such a meaningful cause, knowing that real action is being taken to improve lives.”
The full list of Manchester restaurants signed up to StreetSmart 2023 to aid homelessness so far:
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mana, Ancoats
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Hawksmoor, Deansgate
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Tampopo: Albert Square, Manchester City Centre
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Tampopo: Corn Exchange, Manchester City Centre
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Banyan, Corn Exchange
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Banyan, Spinningfields
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Manahatta, Deansgate
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BOX, Deansgate
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Bottega by San Carlo at Selfridges, Exchange Square
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20 Stories, Spinningfields
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Street Urchin, Ancoats, Manchester City Centre
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HOME Bar and Kitchen, First Street, Manchester City Centre
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The Lead Station, Chorlton
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Tariff and Dale, Northern Quarter
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Stretford Canteen, Stretford
StreetSmart was established in 1998 and since then they have raised over £10.3 million for the homeless. Over 50 homelessness charities now benefit each year, with funds supporting services such as the creation of beds, housing, mental health advice and job support.