Homeless young people benefit from Lawyers’ generosity

16 July, 2008

Barristers in London have pledged their support to help tackle homelessness faced by many young people in the city.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple and in partnership with Centrepoint, the UK’s leading charity for homeless young people, an anniversary ball has raised nearly £35,000. Over 1,000 guests enjoyed music, dancing and dodgems in the spectacular 12th Century buildings and surroundings of Middle Temple, the former headquarters of The Knight’s Templar.

The money raised from the event will help Centrepoint to continue its vital work including the funding towards the provision of support for a new mediation worker to help young people to rebuild family relationships. The biggest cause of homelessness amongst young people in the UK is family breakdown.

Colin Davidson, Director of Catering & Marketing at Middle Temple said:

“Middle Temple’s long standing partnership with Centrepoint throughout the last 15 years has made me very aware of the support that Centrepoint gives to young people who find themselves homeless. We were delighted to be able to involve Centrepoint in our 400th anniversary celebrations and pleased to be able to help raise money to contribute to their work.”

As Middle Temple’s beneficiary charity, Centrepoint, which works with homeless young people between the ages of 16 and 25, took the opportunity to take 15 volunteers including Centrepoint staff to highlight the work that it does supporting homeless young people to look forward to a brighter future, and to host a number of fundraising initiatives for members of the Honourable Society of Middle Temple and their guests.

Guests were given chance to speed off at the end of the night on a Vespa scooter or a Porsche Boxster, parked enticingly outside the hall, in a nerve racking dice throwing game. A charity auction also offered amazing prizes from tea at The Ritz to a holiday in Mauritius.