Pupils at Lawn Manor Academy have stepped up to support people facing homelessness in Swindon, collecting a sizeable haul of food and essential supplies for local charity Threshold.
The donation drive comes ahead of Sleep Out 26, which will take place at the school on 20 February. In the run-up to hosting the event, students were set a house challenge to see which team could fill a trolley with the most food and toiletries.
Fitzroy, Pleydell and Goddard houses all took part, with the friendly rivalry resulting in three trolleys packed with everyday essentials.
The challenge formed part of a wider focus on homelessness within the school. In recent weeks, pupils have been learning about the pressures faced by people without stable accommodation in Swindon and the role organisations such as Threshold play in helping individuals move forward.
What began as classroom discussion quickly turned into practical action. Determined to offer more than words, pupils brought in items ranging from cupboard staples to hygiene products — donations that will now go directly to those receiving support.
Rachel Harris, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Threshold, said the response from the school had been overwhelming.
“It’s been remarkable to see the effort these pupils have made. We are hugely thankful for the volume of items collected,” she said. “Access to basics such as food and toiletries can ease immediate worries for people who have experienced homelessness, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives. After long periods of hardship, gestures like this help restore a sense of belonging and community.”
Head of School Russell Langdown said the academy was proud of the way students had engaged with the issue.
“Our pupils have shown real thoughtfulness and generosity,” he said. “Through their learning, they gained insight into the realities of homelessness locally and were motivated to respond in a meaningful way. The effort from Pleydell, Goddard and Fitzroy has been outstanding, and we’re grateful to our wider school community for getting behind the initiative.”
The donated items will now be distributed by Threshold to people currently being supported as they transition away from homelessness.
Sleep Out 26 is open to anyone aged 11 and above. Registration costs £7.50 for under-18s and £15 for adults, with participants encouraged to raise sponsorship alongside their entry fee. All funds raised will go towards providing safe accommodation and tailored support for people in Swindon.
The event has received a £1,000 grant from Places for People. Village Hotel Swindon, Gel Studios and Rapid Relief Team UK will also provide refreshments on the night, ensuring that ticket sales and sponsorship can go directly towards frontline support.
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust.
