The 700 Club have provided more than 350,000 bed-nights to those who would otherwise be forced to sleep rough, to sleep on a friend's floor, or to occupy some other kind of inappropriate accommodation.
Loose change feeds problems, it is not a solution. Help us bring support to those who beg. People beg for different reasons, but for all it is symptomatic of need. Help us to meet the person's needs so that they are not diminished by the need to beg.
The 700 Club offers a range of services to those who are homeless or inappropriately housed to help them as individuals overcome the barriers to living independently and to settle in a home of their choosing.
We believe that people are greater than the issues by which society often defines them - homeless, drug addict, alcoholic, suffering mental illness. We feel that we can make a difference by believing in people when they do not believe in themselves.
To give or not to give? The sight of someone begging awakens compassion, but giving the person money is not the solution to their need. Help by text instead. Text BEGGING to 70085 and a default donation of £5 will be made. Alternatively, text BEGGING followed by any number between 1 and 20 and donate that amount.
As an organisation, in all that we do, we seek to be person centred not problem centred. This principle is embodied in the support provided around health and well-being. This project brings together one to one support with education, awareness raising and opportunities to participate in activities that enhance physical well-being.
After a successful partnership with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and Darlington Borough Council and Darlington CAB, the 700 Club will be continuing an Early Intervention Outreach Project in partnership with the Local Authority and the Police, focused on helping individuals address problems that, left unaddressed, could ultimately lead to the loss of somewhere to live.
In September a group of 700 Club service users and 700 Club staff travelled to Edinburgh. A trip to the zoo, a tour bus of the city and the Camera Obscura provided a full and enjoyable day.
The Shadow Secretary for Housing, John Healey MP, visited the 700 Club in September, met staff and heard about the excellent Trailblazer Project, an initiative to prevent homelessness.