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The Lord Mayor’s Last Laugh: A Grand Finale

Esharelife was proud to attend The Lord Mayor’s Last Laugh, a magnificent celebration marking the close of the mayoral year of The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King DL. Held on Wednesday 5 November 2025 at the iconic Guildhall, the event was a vibrant blend of entertainment and fine dining – all in the spirit of fundraising for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Organised by The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, the evening served as the final fundraising highlight of the year, supporting two exceptional partner charities: Homewards, The Royal Foundation’s bold initiative to help end homelessness across the UK, and MQ Mental Health Research, the country’s leading charity advancing mental health through innovative scientific research. These causes strongly align with Esharelife’s commitment to a holistic approach to improving quality of life both at home and away.

About Homewards and MQ Mental Health Research:

In 2025, Homewards, the Royal Foundation’s five-year programme to end homelessness, entered a transformative stage as its six flagship locations rolled out tangible, community-driven solutions. Aberdeen saw the first residents move into homes created through its Innovative Housing Project, converting unused buildings into safe accommodation. In Lambeth, new support initiatives—from a strengthened housing advice line to a cashback pilot helping low-income households tackle debt—began reaching thousands. The year also marked a major push toward employment pathways. Alongside these practical projects, Homewards continued shaping public understanding of homelessness, expanding partnerships and storytelling efforts to shift perceptions nationwide.

Throughout 2025, MQ Mental Health Research strengthened its position as a driving force in scientific innovation for mental health. The charity launched its prestigious MQ Fellows Award, offering significant support to early-career researchers pursuing bold work in areas such as youth mental health, suicide prevention and digital therapies. Internationally, MQ expanded its impact through a new partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, launching a multi-year initiative dedicated to advancing youth mental-health research and early intervention.

The enthusiasm in the room reflected the shared belief in the importance of supporting initiatives that improve mental health research and help address homelessness—issues that touch countless lives across the nation.

The evening brought together leading figures from across the City of London and served as a fitting finale to Alderman King’s remarkable year of service. For Esharelife, it was a powerful reminder of the impact that collective goodwill and community spirit can achieve.

Whoever you are, make a difference.