Sean Lock, Bill Bailey and Lee Mack get behind Nextmeal.co.uk

Sean Lock, Bill Bailey and Lee Mack are helping to launch  a new website designed to help homeless people in London find out where their nearest hot meal is.

The new software was created by Martin Stone, who runs Muswell Hill Soup Kitchen in North London – and who is a neighbour of Lock’s

The comic said: ‘After I helped him at the Soup Kitchen, he looked at the standard of my washing-up shook his head gently and said, "Sean there is another way you can help us." So I’ve organised the launch of Nextmeal.co.uk.

Stone said: ‘Nextmeal.co.uk can be used by anyone to help people who need a meal and support.  At the same time, it informs Londoners what centres are open and how they can help homeless people without giving them money. 

‘Ultimately, our aim is to help to reduce street homelessness.  It empowers people who see homeless people begging and are concerned about their plight, to respond without giving the person begging any money.’

Instead Stone encourages people to print off cards from the website with details of where to get help or food, and hand it to the homeless people.

A press release to launch the service says: ‘Millions of Londoners every day feel confused about what they should do when they walk past someone begging. 

‘Nextmeal.co.uk means they don’t need to keep doing that.  They can print off some cards from the website and hand them one.  Either instead of money or with some cash as well. It’s up to you, but at least you’ve done something.’

The comics will be launching the website at Leicester Square Theatre on Tuesday.

Published: 29 Oct 2017