Histon Manor Doubles Down on Support for The Cambridge Acorn Project for a Second Year
“We’ll do the work. Will you double the difference?” Histon Manor Throws Down a Friendly Gauntlet to Local Businesses
With £19,000 raised so far in 2026 for Cambridge Acorn Project, Histon Manor is calling on businesses to help double the impact of its community fundraising in 2027, as it supports the charity for a second consecutive year. Cambridge Acorn Project provides long-term therapeutic, educational and practical support to children and families across Cambridgeshire, including those affected by trauma, poor mental health and financial hardship.
Businesses across Cambridgeshire and beyond are invited to pledge between £50 and £3,500 to match community donations at a chosen event. Each business can agree its maximum contribution in advance, helping local children and families affected by trauma, poor mental health, abuse and financial hardship. The invitation is open to everyone from sole traders and small companies, who may find it difficult to organise charity fundraising themselves, to larger companies looking for opportunities to support their community and involve their staff. Histon Manor will organise the events and bring together volunteers and visitors; businesses provide the matching funds, with opportunities for their teams to volunteer too.
The appeal comes as demand for Cambridge Acorn Project’s services continues to grow. In 2023, the charity supported around 350 children and young people. By 2025, that figure had increased to more than 1,400, alongside 144 parents and carers — a four-fold increase in the number of children supported in just two years. With children and young people now waiting almost 10 months on average for specialist mental health support, the need for early intervention and sustained support for families is pressing.
The £19,000 raised to date has come through community events, donations and Histon Manor’s pledge to donate 10% of revenue from every booking.
The Manor normally supports a different charity each year. However, owner Katherine Mann has chosen to continue supporting Cambridge Acorn Project throughout 2027, building on this year’s progress and helping the charity respond to growing demand.
Katherine Mann, owner of Histon Manor, said:
“We normally change our charity each year, but the progress made with Cambridge Acorn Project has been huge for a smaller charity. They really need our continued support, and a second year gives us the chance to build on what we’ve achieved together.
“This is a personally led initiative, run from our family home with wonderful volunteers helping bring each event to life. On event days, the Manor becomes a community hub — somewhere people can enjoy themselves, meet others and contribute to something that matters.
“We’re doubling down on that commitment. Our friendly gauntlet to businesses is: we’ll bring the setting, the community and the hard work — will you help us double the difference?”
Matching funds double community donations up to the agreed limit. A small business pledging £100 could match the first £100 raised at a seniors’ afternoon tea, generating £200 for the charity. A £3,500 pledge could turn £3,500 raised by the community at the Village Dahlia Show into £7,000.
Five events are planned at Histon Manor for 2027: Snowdrop Day; Summer Sounds, with live music on the lawns; the Cambridgeshire Plein Air Artist of the Year Award, bringing over 120 artists from across the UK to paint in the grounds; Outdoor Tai Chi; and the Village Dahlia Show in September. Some events attract up to 1,000 visitors, giving participating businesses the chance to connect with the wider community. Staff can help with preparations or volunteer on event days, making their contribution about more than a financial pledge.
Partners will receive recognition throughout the year through Histon Manor’s website and social media channels, showcasing their contribution and raising awareness of Cambridge Acorn Project’s work.
Matt Edge, Founder and CEO of Cambridge Acorn Project, said:
“Every child deserves the chance to feel safe, valued and hopeful about their future. Yet we're seeing more children struggling with trauma, poor mental health and poverty than ever before.
“When families reach us, they often need help now, not months down the line. Support from local businesses and community fundraisers helps us respond earlier, stay alongside families for longer and make sure fewer children face these challenges alone.
“We're incredibly grateful to Histon Manor for extending its commitment into 2027 and to every business that chooses to get involved. Together, we can help more local children and families access the support they need to thrive.”
For Histon Manor, the challenge is straightforward: if the community can raise thousands of pounds for local children and families, can local businesses help make those pounds go twice as far?
How businesses can get involved
Businesses interested in matching donations at a 2027 event are invited to contact Katherine Mann at histonmanor@gmail.com to choose an event, agree a pledge and discuss staff volunteering opportunities. Thank you all so much for your support to date.