FESTIVE fundraising for the homeless in Southend has received an unexpected boost from the Government.

The Echo-backed StreetSmart campaign has been earmarked to receive match funding from the Office of Civic Society, part of the Cabinet Office.

The cash boost is part of the Government’s Big Society pledge when aims to empower local communities to make a difference.

Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, said: “The Government is determined to do its bit too and that’s why we have worked hard to reduce administration costs and cut back on expensive advertising campaigns so that we can redistribute more money to those who need it.

“This Christmas we are pledging cash to innovative charity appeals, like StreetSmart, so we can help support the vulnerable over the festive period.”

StreetSmart started in London in 1998 with a scheme which asks diners to add a donation to their bill for the charity.

With the Echo’s backing, it was launched in south Essex six years ago by Stephen Colyer, head of PR for Southend’s Homeless Action Resource Project, known as Harp.

Funds raised during November and December through the restaurants listed on this page will go straight to Harp.

The extra funding means all the cash raised will be doubled.

StreetSmart now operates in many major cities and is backed by celebrities, such as TV chef Gordon Ramsay and comedian Stephen Fry.

During the two months the scheme runs, restaurants leave a card on their tables, informing customers a £1 donation will be added to their bill, unless they specifically ask not to pay it.

This is the first time the scheme has received match funding.

Administration costs are covered by the charity’s sponsor, Deutsche Bank, which means all of the money raised goes to help frontline services supporting the homeless.

Glenn Pougnet, 40, is national director of StreetSmart. He now lives in London, but his roots are in Benfleet, where he grew up and where his mum still lives.

He said: “As I became more knowledgeable on the subject of homelessness, I felt my input could really make a huge difference to people’s lives and it inspired me.

“It takes enormous emotional strength and certain qualities to be able to deal with any given situation that presents itself from those working with the homeless.

“By running StreetSmart, I have been given a wonderful opportunity to make a contribution”.

Mr Pougnet’s job is to raise public awareness of the charity – and keep the cash rolling in, but he admits when it first started in Southend, he was unsure of its success. He said: “Up until then we had really operated in bigger cities, but thanks to the persistence of Stephen and the help of the Echo, StreetSmart in Southend has become are real success.

“Every pound raised goes directly to the homeless in whichever area that pound is donated. Everything donated in south Essex will go to Harp, to help fund its day centre, night shelter and hostels.”

For Harp itself the potential of extra cash from the Government has been welcomed.

Mr Colyer said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this amazing support from the Office for Civil Society.”

For more information, visit www.harpsouthend.

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