Where It All Began
StreetSmart was set up in 1998 by two ethically-minded London business people, William Sieghart, Chairman of StreetSmart, founder of Forward Publishing and Mary-Lou Sturridge, Former Director of The Groucho Club, Hotelier.
The idea was simple. During November and December in the run-up to Christmas, many people go out to eat in restaurants and celebrate the spirit of the holidays; so wouldn’t it be great if we could harness just a little of that “good cheer” and raise money for worthy charities at the same time people were enjoying a nice meal out?
So StreetSmart was born.
We decided to make StreetSmart a fundraising charity. In other words, it raises money and then distributes it directly to the actual charities, hostels and projects that have the experience and facilities to help adults and children who are living on the streets, are homeless and want to get back on their feet. The money goes to charities providing for both basic needs and to those supplying the skills and resources needed to help in the long-term.
Our Trustees
William Sieghart
William is the Chairman and co-founder of StreetSmart. He has worked extensively in publishing, the arts, and public policy. As the founder of Forward Publishing and Forward Poetry Prizes, he has championed literature in the UK. William has served on the Arts Council and chaired Somerset House Trust, The Arts Foundation, and the Forward Arts Foundation. He is also a trustee of Reprieve, Britdocs, and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. His work with Forward Thinking supports dialogue in the Middle East, and he is a published author and broadcaster.
Mary-Lou Sturridge
Mary-Lou is the co-founder of StreetSmart and helped launch the campaign while Director of London’s Groucho Club. With a background in hospitality and the arts, she has continued to bring creativity and flair to her work. In 2015, she opened The Seaside Boarding House, a boutique hotel in Dorset that reflects her signature blend of style and warmth.
Nick Emley
Nick was a founding team member of StreetSmart and played a key role in its early growth and development. Previously Co-Founder and Director of The Poster Shop, he brought commercial experience to the charity’s setup. Since stepping back from StreetSmart, Nick has run a successful wine consultancy, helping clients manage private cellars.
Rosie Boycott
Rosie is a journalist, author, and campaigner. She co-founded the influential feminist magazine Spare Rib and later became the first woman to edit two national newspapers. Rosie has worked in broadcasting, chaired literary prize panels, and championed sustainable food policy as Chair of London Food. In 2018, she was appointed to the House of Lords as Baroness Boycott.
I have no hesitation in supporting and recommending the work of StreetSmart, which is low in bureaucracy and high on delivering where help is needed. We may not be able to solve the question of homelessness, but at least by doing something we, in some way, diminish its tyranny.
Stephen Fry
It is so rewarding to work with the best restaurants in the UK in order to help people without a home. I’ve seen first hand where the money goes and feel honoured to play a part.
Kimberley Coke, Head of Comms, StreetSmart