Diners in Birmingham are being encouraged to support the homeless this Christmas by donating £1 on their bills to the annual StreetSmart campaign.

Some of the city’s top restaurants are backing the fundraising drive, which in previous years has raised £26,500, every penny of which has been spent locally.

All the money raised through donations goes directly to St Basils, which provides accommodation and support services to young homeless people across Birmingham, Solihull and North Worcestershire.

Using a table card, or a reference on the menu, participating restaurants add a voluntary £1 to the table bill during November and December.

At the end of each month, the restaurant passes all the proceeds to StreetSmart, which in Birmingham supports St Basils.

This year’s StreetSmart city restaurants include Edmunds in Brindleyplace; Simpsons of Edgbaston; Opus in Cornwall Street (December only); Aria at the Hyatt Hotel; both the Circle and Stage Side restaurants at Birmingham Hippodrome; Kababish in Boldmere and Moseley; and Nathaniel’s of Moseley.

Despite the recession, last year was the best ever year for StreetSmart in Birmingham with diners donating £6,000, which was allocated to St Basils’ schools training and mentoring programme.

This year the proceeds will help to support the charity’s learning, skills and work programme.

Anne Morton, spokeswoman for St Basils, said: “The funds St Basils has received over the years have helped our young people so much, particularly in allowing our young people to continue or re-engage with formal education, helping them build an independent future for themselves.”

Andreas Antona, chef-patron at Michelin-starred Simpsons, said: “Once again Simpsons is very proud to be associated and assisting with the StreetSmart campaign. It is particularly important during these difficult economic times to support and remember those who are suffering great hardship.”

Gary Aymes, the Hippodrome’s director of hospitality and service, said: “Birmingham Hippodrome has participated in the Streetsmart campaign for four years and last year our diners helped to raise over £1,000. We are once again delighted to support this very worthwhile cause.”

Edmunds has also supported StreetSmart for a number of years. Chef-patron Andy Waters said: “It is an easy way for our diners to support the local community and help those less fortunate at Christmas.”