The Mermaid London surpasses charity target to support the capital’s homeless community

Leading conference and events venue, The Mermaid London, has raised almost £12,000 this year to minimise the stigma of homelessness and bring much-needed relief and support to people sleeping rough on the streets of the capital.

As a devoted advocate of corporate social responsibility in the events industry, and a champion for community connection, The Mermaid London launched its Make it Matter campaign at the start of 2023, pledging to donate £1 per day delegate rate package booked, and £5 for every festive booking, to Streets of London, a charity funding specialist support for homeless people across the capital.

Jackie Harding, Commercial Director at The Mermaid London, said: “Raising awareness of homelessness this year, and supporting efforts to eradicate it, has been both heartbreaking and humbling. While we’re overjoyed to have raised £11,817 to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community find even a short moment of respite, it’s devastating to think that the fear, indignity, and trauma of life on the streets is a daily reality for an increasing number of people across London.

“While we know it is only scratching the surface of what is a much wider problem, we hope our efforts this year can at least lighten the burden our homeless community carry on a daily basis, especially at Christmas, and we encourage our wonderful delegates to continue talking about, raising awareness of, and fighting for this urgent issue as we head into 2024.”

With £8,437 of the donation generated from the day delegate rate pledge, and £2,580 coming from festive bookings, the money raised will go towards funding for everything from support with basic needs, specialist help and advice, one-to-one support, and skill development, to addiction recovery, life skills and language support, digital inclusion, and women’s sanctuaries.

The difference The Mermaid London has been able to make this year, with the support of its generous delegates, has inspired the multipurpose events venue to reflect on what it is spending its money on, and how it distributes this. This has included actively forgoing Christmas decorations given the negative impact of Christmas tree production and distribution on sustainability. It is committed to paying all its team members above the London Living Wage, recognising the barrier financial insecurity can bring to personal and professional growth, and strengthening its wider corporate social responsibility strategy.

The heart of London venue also chose to bring its Make it Matter campaign to life by hosting, and taking part in, the Streets of London Night Walk in July. This saw the venue act as the start and finish points for the walk, check in fundraisers, cheer on participants, and provide refreshments, as well as offering friends and family of those participating exclusive use of its River Rooms

Ian Steuart Fothringham, Founder and Director of Streets of London, said: “Homelessness robs people of their basic dignity, but the bottom line is that someone experiencing homelessness deserves our respect just as much as anyone else. We’re very grateful to have The Mermaid London’s support for our work, following their generous donation of £5,000 last year. The money they donate in support of Streets of London will make a real difference to what we’re able to achieve in the coming year, and it’s very helpful to have corporate supporters such as The Mermaid London using their platform to champion our work and helping to provide visibility for this important issue.”

The Mermaid London, which is located on the banks of the River Thames at Blackfriars, is a leading conference and events venue in the capital, with an exclusive use capacity of 1,900 and nine versatile and flexible event spaces, including the City of London’s only 600-seated auditorium. Its phenomenal location provides unbeatable transport links and an unparalleled backdrop of breathtaking views over iconic London landmarks including Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern and The Shard.

For more information, please visit: https://the-mermaid.co.uk/.