Spend a night under the stars at Waddesdon Manor to help tackle homelessness in Buckinghamshire

People across Buckinghamshire are being invited to swap the comfort of their own bed for a night under the stars at one of the county's most iconic landmarks – all to help raise vital funds for people facing homelessness.

Aylesbury Homeless Action Group (AHAG) has announced 'A Night for Change at Waddesdon Manor', a one-night solidarity sleepout taking place on the evening of Friday 11 September, continuing into the early hours of Saturday 12 September.

The event will be the first solidarity sleepout ever held in the grounds of Waddesdon Manor, making it a landmark occasion for both the charity and the historic Buckinghamshire estate.

AHAG says the event is the biggest fundraiser in its history and forms part of its year as The Rothschild Foundation's Charity of the Year.

Just 100 places are available, with registration open until Friday 14 August, or until all places have been filled.

Raising awareness as well as funds

The sleepout aims to give participants a small insight into the reality faced by people experiencing homelessness, while raising money to support AHAG's work across Aylesbury and the surrounding area.

Those taking part will build a simple shelter using cardboard they bring themselves before spending the night outdoors in the Manor grounds. The evening will also include talks, personal stories from people supported by AHAG, team activities, a campfire meal and a guided reflection before participants settle down for the night. Bacon rolls will be served at sunrise before the event comes to a close.

Registration is free, although everyone taking part is asked to raise a minimum of £250 in sponsorship, with every pound going directly towards the charity's work.

Supporting hundreds of local people

AHAG says demand for its services remains high across Buckinghamshire.

Over the past 12 months the charity has:

• Supported 735 people experiencing homelessness, housing problems or financial hardship.

• Prevented 33 households from becoming homeless.

• Helped 52 people secure permanent accommodation.

• Supported 25 people sleeping rough.

• Secured around £350,000 in additional income and financial gains for people facing hardship through its financial inclusion service.

The charity says every pound raised through the sleepout will help continue that work, supporting local people before they reach crisis point and helping those already experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.

'Something genuinely special'

James Boultbee, Chief Executive of Aylesbury Homeless Action Group, said:

"This is the biggest fundraising event in AHAG's history and, honestly, when I step back and think about what we have managed to bring together, I'm still pinching myself. To hold a sleepout in the grounds of Waddesdon Manor, in partnership with the Rothschild Foundation, is something we could only have dreamed of a few years ago.

"For one night, people will give up the comfort of their own bed to stand alongside those facing homelessness in our community. Every place on the sleepout will help us raise vital funds so we can continue preventing homelessness, supporting people sleeping rough, and helping local people rebuild their lives. We only have 100 places, and I'd love to see every one of them filled by someone who wants to be part of something genuinely special."

Sir Roger Wright, Chief Executive of The Rothschild Foundation, added:

"The Rothschild Foundation is proud to support AHAG as our Charity of the Year and, as part of this, to host this unique event at Waddesdon Manor. Homelessness can affect anyone, and events like A Night for Change help shine a light on the challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"We hope those participating will raise vital funds for AHAG's important work and also deepen their understanding of the difference AHAG makes every day."

How to take part

Registration is now open on a first-come, first-served basis, with only 100 places available.

The event is open to individuals, families and corporate teams. Children aged 12 and over can take part when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Participants will need to bring a sleeping bag and cardboard to build a simple shelter, as this is a genuine sleepout with no tents provided.

Registration closes at midnight on Friday 14 August, unless all places have been allocated before then.

To register or find out more, visit AHAG's website (external site).

About Waddesdon Manor

Built from 1874 by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, Waddesdon Manor is one of Buckinghamshire's best-known visitor attractions, combining historic architecture, internationally renowned art collections and extensive landscaped gardens.

Today, the estate is managed in partnership with the National Trust and the Rothschild Foundation, welcoming visitors from across the UK while supporting a range of charitable work in the arts, community, nature and sustainability.

The upcoming sleepout will be the first time the Manor has hosted an event of this kind.