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

To celebrate the 400^th 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 12^th 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.

Clare Norton Director of services at Centrepoint said:

“We constantly see the impact of family breakdown through the young people who seek our support day after day. The money raised from this fantastic event will have a huge impact on the work that Centrepoint does, giving hundreds of homeless and socially excluded young people the chance to turn their lives around. We are grateful to Middle Temple for supporting Centrepoint this year as part of their 400^th anniversary celebrations”.

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 400^th 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.