John Elliston MBE (Head of Strategy and Development)

Dr John Elliston has been part of the 700 Club since the beginning. For 16 years he was the Chairperson of the organisation. In 2012 he became CEO, stepping down in 2018 to take on his current role. He has been involved in Darlington’s voluntary sector since moving to Darlington in 1991. In that time, he has worked closely with a large number of agencies. He currently chairs the Darlington Strategic Development Forum (DSDF), is the the voluntary sector representative on the Community Safety Partnership Board, and part of the Mental Health Network.

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Latest

Together we can make a difference

1 in 182 people in England are homeless. Over 3,000 people are sleeping rough on any given night (26% increase) and 279,400 are living in temporary accommodation (14% increase) - most of whom are families. There are also 20,000 people in hostels or supported accommodation.
Darlington Connect Upgrade

The premises of Darlington Connect have been upgraded to include toilet facilities for people with impaired mobility and additional 'confidential' spaces to accommodate the increasing demands on the service provided by the project.
Annual General Meeting 2023

The 700 Club Annual General Meeting will be held at our head office on Thursday 21st September 2023, at 4.30pm. If you would like to attend, please get in touch with Emma McLaughlin on 01325 366397.
Service Users Celebrate Coronation

On the eve of the Coronation of Charles III, a celebration event with live music, food and side stalls took place within the community centre of St Augustine's Church. Originally planned as an outdoor event, inclement weather forced it inside, but the rain did not dampen the spirits of those who attended.

Julie Paul (Team Leader)
David Allaway (Director)

Former Mayoral Support Officer with Darlington Borough Council and retired Police Inspector with 30 years experience.
Christopher Hunter (Treasurer and Director)

With a wide experience of the financial sector and part of the Senior Management Team of Darlington Building Society, Chris is passionate about the link between business and the community in which it operates.
Susan Waterworth MBE (Director)

An experienced General Practitioner in Darlington, Susan has a special interest in the difficulties faced by those with drug and alcohol dependency. She provides a clinical lead to the DAAT, and is a forensic medical examiner with Durham Constabulary.
Sally Hamilton (Company Secretary and Director)

Sally has supported the 700 Club since moving in next door to Hope House. She brings a depth of experience from her career with CAB.
Emma McLaughlin (Administration and Human Resources Manager)

Emma has worked for the company since 2012, joining as Corporate Administrator before working up to her current role.
Lee Vasey JP (Chairperson and Director)

A former Mayor of Darlington (2011-12), Lee joined the 700 Club Board in 2012..
Clare Costello (Finance Manager)

Clare joined the 700 Club 12 years ago. She is responsible for the organisation's finances on a day to day basis, including managing staff wages.
Yvonne Beattie (Chief Executive)

Joining the Company as a Support Worker, Yvonne has moved up through the organisation to her current role.

The Lodge

The Lodge offers a temporary 'home' for people who are in housing crisis. If you are already rough sleeping, or in danger of doing so, call us for advice or call in at the Council's Housing Department for a Gateway assessment.
Who are we?
Church View Apartments

The need for supported move-on accommodation for individuals who have the potential to live independently, but who do not require the intense support provided by hostels, was recognised almost from the beginning of the 700 Club. In October 2020 it became a reality when the keys for Church View Apartments, comprising 32 flats, were handed over. The service will start in December.
Supported Accommodation

The 700 Club provides 29 units of supported accommodation across its two hostels in Darlington. Individuals stay for up to a year as the progress towards independence.
Emergency Food

A small quantity of food is held by the 700 Club at its hostel St. George's Hall in Elmfield Street. The store is available for access on all evenings and during the weekend. Agencies may refer people with whom they may have some involvement, but clients can call at St. George's Hall without referral.
Our History
Help those who beg on the street

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.
Housing First

The 700 Club are working in partnership with the Housing Options Team to develop a Housing First model of Floating Support for individuals with multiple and complex needs who have not responded positively to traditional Floating Support
Darlington Connect

Need help of any kind? Need to just unload or get some advice? Darlington Connect is there for everyone. To admit you are struggling is not a cause for shame or embarrassment - we all need a hand sometimes. Just call-in to 6 Northgate, on the High Street next door to Costa Coffee. Together we can make life better.
Floating support service

Where the need is greatest

Our work goes on day after day, but it's only through the generous donations of our supporters that this remains possible. With your help we can bring an end to the suffering that homelessness causes. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Help those who beg on the street

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. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Church View Apartments Open

After months in development, on 9th December, the first person to take up residence entered Church View Apartments. It was a significant moment for the 700 Club and for the people Darlington. Until now, the town has lacked supported move-on accommodation, but with the launch of this initiative 32 flats will be available where residents can cultivate the skills and confidence needed for independence. Read more

Joint Working Recognised

Each year the Nepacs Ruth Cranfield Awards highlight and celebrate examples of exceptional work by people in the North East in the cause of rehabilitating prisoners into society and helping to cut the risk of re-offending. The Darlington Housing Options Team and the 700 Club were among 19 organisations to be commended. Read more