A couple of weeks ago, one of Talent Management’s favourite British models, the lovely Erin O’Connor, published a plea on the All Walks website. The diverse beauty and model safety campaigner lost the London Fashion Week venue for her Model Sanctuary – an organisation that provides health guidance and support to young models during their career in fashion – and asked for help in securing a new venue during February.

Unfortunately, having operated in its seventh London Fashion Week season in a row, the Model Sanctuary has now been forced to temporarily close as Erin’s attempts failed – not through lack of trying though.

On Erin’s Model Sanctuary website, she wrote: “Regretfully, I’m writing to let you know that for reasons beyond my control, The Model Sanctuary will not be operating during the forthcoming London Fashion Week February 2012. This is due to a combination of last minute changes to contributions from sponsors and, despite an incredible response from a number of loyal and enthusiastic supporters, we have been unable to find an alternative venue after our home of the last few seasons; 8 Henrietta Street, became subject to a long-term lease. As these issues have come to light in the last few weeks I am left with no time to rectify the situation.

“As I look forward, I have come to the conclusion that for The Model Sanctuary to continue successfully, the project requires, and in fact deserves, the certainty of established premises for the period of each London Fashion Week. To maintain our momentum whilst running The Model Sanctuary from temporary or pop-up venues has become unsustainable and ultimately places the initiative under threat.”

Erin then went on to urge the forces that be in the fashion industry to help secure a permanent home for The Model Sanctuary during London Fashion Week.

“It is absolutely vital that we prioritise the welfare of young people within our industry and without this assistance I will be forced to close The Model Sanctuary permanently,” she added.

Let’s hope The Model Sanctuary gets the support it needs and is able to re-open its doors in time for fashion week this September.