Waddesdon Hall is a charity that provides a community space for local residents and organisations. We serve as a focal point for community-led projects and initiatives, and our goal is to support the community by running projects that benefit local people.
We bring the entire community together, including people of all ages and from all walks of life, to engage in different projects. 
We give the opportunity and create the environment for people to come together and talk, helping to combat loneliness, isolation and depression, not just through the projects we run but also through volunteer involvement.
For this, we engage across a large cross-section of the community:
  • Individuals: Volunteers and students from the local  schools: Waddesdon Church of England Secondary School and Waddsedon Village Primary School.
  • Organisations: Wednesday Club, Bernwode the Bus, Waddesdon Church, Waddesdon Surgery and the Ukrainian Support Group
  • People who live in the village and surrounding areas
  • Supporters and doners: The Rothschild Foundation, Helping Hands, Buckinghamshire Council, Haddenham and Waddesdon Community Board, The National Lottery and Waddesdon Estate.
The main objective of our work is to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for all members of the community. We have designed our projects and initiatives to benefit all community groups, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or social background.
Waddesdon Hall is working to reduce inequalities in Buckinghamshire by focusing on addressing the root causes of inequality and disadvantage, such as poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, social isolation, and discrimination. Our organisation strives to build strong and inclusive communities, promote social cohesion, and improve the wellbeing of residents.
One of the key strategies that we employ is community engagement. This involves working closely with local communities to understand their needs and priorities and developing projects and services that address those needs.

For all Community led projects, please contact us on 0844 585 2195 or email us: [email protected]

Overall, Waddesdon Hall is working to reduce inequalities in Buckinghamshire

and create a more equitable and just society where all residents have the opportunity

to thrive and reach their full potential.

Coronation Event

Community Fridge

Waddesdon Hall Community Fridge project continues to flourish, with increasing momentum and impact.

Our fridge has become a vital resource, with 32 dedicated volunteers driving its success. Among them, four volunteers with DBS checks and received Food Hygiene training, ensuring the highest standards of safety and hygiene. These volunteers diligently monitor the fridge’s temperature at least twice daily, regularly disinfect the unit, inspect food items for quality, coordinate pickups from local stores, and facilitate the collection of surplus food by nearby farms.

The demand for our services has surged significantly, with a growing number of individuals benefiting from our initiative. Initially serving local residents, we now extend our reach to a broader demographic, including social workers who stop by to gather provisions for their clients during their daily rounds. Our impact spans across communities, reaching individuals in Brill, Grendon Underwood, Quainton, Westcott and Steeple Claydon.

We’re witnessing families making special trips from Berryfields solely to access the community fridge, highlighting the pressing need for support within our community.

 

Currently, we collect surplus donations from local stores seven days a week, facilitated by partnerships with Fareshare and Neighbourly:
• Fareshare-organised donations from Tesco, KFC, and Waitrose.
• Neighbourly-organised donations from Sainsbury’s and Co-op stores.
Our efforts result in the collection of approximately 2 tons of food every month.

Family Cooking Workshops

We are excited to announce our newest project:
‘Planet friendly & budget friendly meals’
Welcome to our cooking workshops that prioritise planet-friendly and budget-friendly meals. Our first step is to create a recipe book of quick and easy meals that are perfect for uncertain times and rising food prices. You can submit your recipes via email to [email protected], drop them off at our hall on Sundays from 5pm-8pm, or during craft club hours on Mondays 10am-12pm.
The recipe book will be used as the basis for our cookery workshop for adults, which will take place every Monday from 10am-1pm starting in September. During the workshop, we will focus on preparing a two-course budget-priced dinner. All ingredients will be provided based on the size of your family, and you can take the completed meal home with you.
On Fridays 4pm-6pm we will run family cookery workshops where you will be able to cook with your child and take the meal home to eat with the whole family.
Places will need to be prebooked and are completely free, all ingredients will be provided.
All are welcome!

Emergency Food Bank

We provide food and supplies to those in need, and we are committed to reducing food waste in our community.
 
If you are struggle and extra support please contact us: 0844 585 2195

Swap Shop

The Swap Shop addresses both environmental issues and poverty. We collect and distribute donated items to those in need. By promoting the reuse and recycling of goods, we aim to reduce waste and encourage sustainable living. In addition to providing essential items to those who may not be able to afford them, we also create opportunities for community to support one another. We believe that by fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility, we can build a stronger, more resilient society that is better equipped to tackle the challenges of poverty and environmental degradation.
We would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who contributed to, visited, and received from our Swap Shop- you all have helped to give new homes to 270.43kg (596.2lbs) of unwanted items! This is nearly 100kg more than our last swap shop, bringing our total unwanted items passed on to 443.38kg (977.49lbs) since March!
By getting involved in the Swap Shop, you are directly helping Waddesdon take steps to becoming a zero-waste community.
Are you passionate about reducing waste and swapping over shopping? Could you help us with setting up or helping us greet guests and receive donations on the night? We’d love to hear from you, [email protected]
 
 
 

 

Welcoming Space - Cosy Community Cafe

Welcoming Space/ The Cosy Community Café addresses issues related to the energy crisis and rising poverty among families by offering a warm, welcoming space where everyone can gather and spend their day.

Soft Play & Stay

The Stay & Play Café engaging young parents also providing them with workshops and advice. We provide a space where parents can bring their children to play and socialise, while also accessing support and resources. We believe that investing in the wellbeing and development of young children and their families is key to building a strong and thriving community.

Ukrainian Hub

The Ukrainian Hub provides a safe space for war refugees to connect with one another and access range of support services. We offer workshops on a variety of topics. We also offer a range of mental health and wellbeing support services. This includes trauma workshops and referrals to mental health professionals as needed.
We believe that by providing refugees with access to support and resources, can help them build new lives for themselves and their families. We are committed to promoting inclusion and diversity within our community and creating a more equitable and just society for all.

Wednesday Club Waddesdon

Wednesday Club – addressing social isolation and loneliness, work with people aged over 70 with multiple needs including physical and mental health, isolation, vulnerability and disabilities. The aim is to offer free of charge continuous service for the elderly to keep them healthy and independent. By stimulating them and providing advice we give them the opportunity to keep active and socially aware. We aim to improve quality of life and support for people to remain at home, addressing loneliness and social isolation. We also establish befriending services via regular calls from volunteers between the weekly session.

Overall, Waddesdon Hall is working to reduce inequalities in Buckinghamshire

and create a more equitable and just society where all residents have the opportunity

to thrive and reach their full potential.