A Night for Change

One night outside.
A lifetime of difference.

Sleep out for one night at The Stables, Waddesdon Manor and help us end homelessness. Join us on Friday 11 September for A Night for Change – a challenge that will stay with you long after the morning comes.

The Challenge

What is the Sleepout?

A Night for Change is a sponsored sleepout held at The Stables of the magnificent Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire. Participants spend the night outside – just as thousands of people experiencing homelessness do every single night and raise vital funds for AHAG, Aylesbury Homeless Action Group, in the process.

This is not a camping holiday. There are no tents, no air mattresses, and no guarantees of a warm night. What you will have is good company, a hot drink in your hand, your sleeping bag on the ground, and the knowledge that your discomfort is helping to change lives.

Whether you’re doing it solo, with friends, or as a team — this is one night you won’t forget.

Why it matters

Why We Sleepout

Every night in the UK, thousands of men, women, and young people have nowhere safe to sleep. AHAG works to change that – providing personalised, targeted and supportive advice and guidance to anyone in housing crisis.

Last year, with the support of people just like you, we changed the lives of 735 people and their families. Every pound you raise takes us one step closer to a world where no one has to sleep rough or be fearful in their accommodation.

735

people and their families helped last year

A story from our work

Elliot’s Story

Elliott* came to us at the start of the year after being kicked out of his family home and forced to sleep rough. Even in crisis, he fought hard for himself — working with the council, gathering evidence, and pushing to be recognised as priority need. We helped him replace his ID, navigate applications, and stay focused on the future he was determined to build.

Read Elliott’s full story

*Name changed to protect privacy.
The big night

What to Expect on the Night

18:00
Arrive and check in at The Stables of Waddesdon Manor
18:00
Create your shelter with cardboard you have brought and your sleeping bag
19:30
Baked potatoes courtesy of the Rothschild Foundation served in The Stables restaurant
20:15
"Why we are here" — welcome, hosted by Sir Roger Wright from the Rothschild Foundation alongside James and Honor from AHAG, with stories from people we have helped over the years, hosted around the fire
21:15
The Night Challenge
22:15
Guided reflection about why you are taking part
23:00
Time to settle down
06:30
Sunrise
06:45
Bacon rolls and pack up
07:00
Time to reflect and move on
07:45
Final departure

On the night you will receive:

  • A warm welcome from our team
  • Hot food and drinks during the evening
  • Inspirational talks, entertainment and guided reflection
  • Breakfast in the morning
  • The support of our welfare team throughout the night
Be prepared

The Honest Bit — Sleeping Conditions

We want you to be fully prepared, so here’s exactly what to expect when it comes to sleeping out:

  • You will sleep outside, on the rough ground, in the open air
  • There are no tents — participants sleep under the stars (or clouds!)
  • You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and ground mat / roll mat and cardboard to build your shelter
  • The event takes place in September, so evenings can be cool – please bring warm layers
  • The event goes ahead in most weather conditions – dress for the outdoors and check the forecast in the week before
  • Toilet facilities will be available on site throughout the night
  • Our welfare team will be on hand at all times if you need support

This is meant to be a challenge – a small taste of what it feels like to have no bed to go home to. But you won’t be alone, and morning always comes.

Taking part

Who Can Take Part?

  • Participants must be aged 12 years or older. Children aged 12 – 16 must be accompanied by an appropriate and responsible adult at a ratio of 2:1 (2 children to 1 adult)
  • Young adults aged 17-18 must be accompanied by an appropriate and responsible adult at a ratio of 4:1 (4 young adults to 1 adult)
  • No special fitness level is required – if you can sleep on the ground, you can do this
  • Groups and teams are very welcome
  • Please let us know of any accessibility requirements when you register and we will do our best to accommodate you
Support the cause

Fundraising

£250

minimum sponsorship per participant

Don’t let that put you off — we’ll give you everything you need to make it happen, from fundraising ideas to a ready-made sponsorship page. Every penny goes directly to AHAG and the people we support. When you register, you’ll receive a full fundraising pack with tips, templates and ideas to help you smash your target.

Young Adults aged 17-18

Everyone aged 19+

(you can include children
aged12-16 on this form)

We are incredibly grateful to Waddesdon Manor and The Rothschild Foundation for their exceptional and generous support for this unique event. Through their commitment to us as the Rothschild Foundation’s charity of the year and to the event, every penny that you collect, will go directly to AHAG.

Still unsure?

Frequently Asked Questions

A sleeping bag, ground mat, cardboard, warm layers, waterproof jacket, torch, battery charging pack, and any personal items you need. A full packing list will be sent to you one week before the event.

The event goes ahead in most weather conditions. We will contact you in advance if there are any changes due to extreme weather. Dress for the outdoors and expect the unexpected — that’s part of the experience!

Absolutely. Each person must register individually and raise their own sponsorship, but you’re very welcome to sleep out together.

We’ll do everything we can to help you reach your target. If you’re struggling, get in touch and we can share tips and support. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for details on minimum sponsorship requirements.

Yes. The individual who raises the highest amount for AHAG will receive House and Garden admission to Waddesdon Manor for two adults and two children. It’s a chance to return to the estate at your leisure and celebrate the impact you made through your incredible fundraising efforts.

Please let us know when you register and we will be in touch to discuss how we can best support you.

Are you ready?

One night. One challenge.
One chance to make a real difference.

Register now and join us at
The Stables, Waddesdon Manor on Friday 11 September.

Young Adults aged 17-18

Everyone aged 19+

(you can include children
aged12-16 on this form)