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  1. About us
  2. Our Team

Our Team

Our Team comprises the Board, Staff and Volunteers.  Listed below are the Directors and the Senior Managers of the 700 Club; they are responsible for all strategic and operational decisions.

  

Yvonne Beattie (Chief Executive)

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

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Yvonne has worked for the 700 Club for 14 years. As CEO, together with top level decision making, she takes the lead in all operational matters across all parts of the business. She is a passionate advocate for the clients and inspires the teams to follow her lead. She holds a Diploma in Management and a Masters Degree in History and Psychology.

Published: 28th February, 2016

Updated: 21st July, 2020

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John Elliston MBE (Head of Strategy and Development)

John has been involved with the 700 Club since it began as just an idea in 1996. He remains a passionate advocate for those who on the margins of society.

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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 1992. 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.

Published: 28th February, 2016

Updated: 3rd July, 2020

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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.

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Although Clare's role is primarily concerned with the accounts and payroll, she also helps with the Head Office reception and some administration. Across the years the phrase "any other duties" in her contract has provided her opportunities that are unique to working at the 700 Club, for example taking to the stage in the annual talent show and staying up half the night painting!

In her spare time Clare enjoys caravanning with her family and researching her family tree

Published: 29th February, 2016

Updated: 3rd July, 2020

Author: John Elliston

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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.

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Emma’s role is to provide as a link between the wider organisation and individual employees. She is responsible for administrative functions as well as overseeing the recruiting of new staff, training and development of existing staff and resolving any issues in relation to employment.

Outside of work Emma, and her young family, enjoys exploring the region with the two family dogs.

Published: 1st March, 2016

Updated: 7th July, 2020

Author: John Elliston

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Lee Vasey JP (Chairperson and Director)

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

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Joining the board in 2012, Lee brings a wealth of experience from an involvement in local politics spanning nearly two decades. She has also served the courts as a Justice of the Peace for over 30 years..

Published: 1st March, 2016

Updated: 3rd July, 2020

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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.

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Sally been involved with 700 Club since moving to Darlington 16 years ago and discovering we were her neighbours. She is on her second stint as a Board member, having stepped down because of work commitments. She is an avid reader and since her husband retired has also been involved in a local sports and social club.

Published: 2nd March, 2016

Updated: 7th July, 2020

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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.

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Chris Hunter, is an Associate of the Institute of Bankers (ACIB) and has nearly 20 years’ experience in the Financial Service industry including 15 years with Lloyds Banking Group and is currently Chief Risk Officer at the Darlington Building Society.  Chris in joining the 700 club Board, brings together a shared set of values from the Darlington Building Society, helping people find a home and supporting the local community.

Chris lives in Wakefield, is married with 2 children and 3 dogs, all of which along with running, boot camps and occasional yoga help keep Chris fit!

Published: 3rd March, 2016

Updated: 7th July, 2020

Author: John Elliston

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Milly Stoney (Director)

Appointed to the Board in 2008, Milly has worked for over 20 years with people who have problems with debt, the benefits structure and consumer issues.

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Milly has been a volunteer worker with the Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau working with people who have problems with debt, the benefits structure and consumer issues. She brings the insights of a rich a varied life having spent 3 years living in West Bengal, India, 3 years in Germany and 5 and a half years in Pakistan.

Her interests include gardening, the theatre and sailing.  

Published: 3rd March, 2016

Updated: 22nd April, 2016

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Lesley Excell (Director)

A Homelessness Officer and Housing Options Advisor with Darlington Borough Council, Lesley has an intimate knowledge of the client group with whom we work.

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Lesley has been employed by Darlington Borough Council since 2003. For most of that period she has been working to address the housing needs of homeless people.

Her hobbies are reading, socialising and dog walking.

 

Published: 3rd March, 2016

Updated: 22nd July, 2020

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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.

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Susan joined the Board in 2011 as director, but previously attended in an advisory capacity. She brings a deep understanding of work with vulnerable people. Her special interests correspond to the needs of the client group with whom we work.

Published: 3rd March, 2016

Updated: 23rd February, 2018

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David Allaway (Director)

Former Mayoral Support Officer with Darlington Borough Council and retired Police Inspector with 30 years experience.

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David joined the Board in 2014, but has been a supporter of the charity for many years. He has a background  in law enforcement and a broad understanding of the voluntary sector through his work in the Civic Office. He enjoys playing golf and going to the gym, though is convinced that he exercises all the wrong muscles !!

Published: 4th March, 2016

Updated: 7th July, 2020

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Showing 10 of 11

Latest

  • Church View Apartments Open

    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.

  • Crime Commissioner Supports Street Outreach

    Crime Commissioner Supports Street Outreach

    The 700 Club has been awarded funding from the County Durham and Darlington Community Fund to support Street Outreach work in Darlington.

  • Housing First - A New Model of Service Delivery

    Housing First - A New Model of Service Delivery

    The 700 Club and Darlington Council's Housing Options Team are collaborating to deliver a "Housing First" pilot. Housing First is a new way of approaching the challenge of homelessness which has been successfully trialled in many areas of the world.

  • Recruiting Now

    Recruiting Now

    The 700 Club is actively recruiting for permanent, full time staff. If you are seeking a position working in social care, then there are opportunities across the organisation.

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  • Who are we?

  • Bridge2Home

    Bridge2Home

    Bridge2Home opens the door to the privately rented sector for those who are financially excluded from this sector because they cannot afford the bond.

  • The Lodge

    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. You can also self-refer.

  • Supported Accommodation

    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

    Out of hours 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

  • Early Intervention Outreach Project

    The 700 Club Early Intervention Project is a jointly funded partnership between Darlington Borough Council and Durham Police. It is based on the belief that big and costly problems can be prevented if they are addressed when they are still small.

  • Sponsor a room

    Sponsor a room

    We believe that no one should be left with no alternative but to sleep on the streets or on a friends sofa. To allow it diminishes not only those forced to do so but also those who know about it, but refuse to act. Together we can make a difference.

  • Volunteer for us

    We have opportunities for volunteering across all our projects, whether your skills are with people, with administration, or whether you have some other skill you would like to share ... music, drama, art, sport, gardening, the list is endless.

  • Our Achievements

    Our Achievements

    The 700 Club have provided nearly 400,000 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.

Where the need is greatest

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

Published: 17th March, 2014

Updated: 19th December, 2019

Author:

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  • Donate
Help those who beg

Help those who beg

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

Published: 12th December, 2018

Updated: 3rd August, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Related topics:
  • Current appeals
  • Donate
Twenty Five Years

Twenty Five Years

In 2021 the 700 Club celebrates its Silver Jubilee. From the hastily erected mock doorway on High Row in Darlington, and the generous 700 who gave £50 towards opening a first hostel, the organisation has gone on to deliver nearly 400,000 bed-nights. What would a donation from you look like in 25 years? Read more

Donate Fundraise

Published: 3rd August, 2020

Updated: 15th October, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Related topics:
  • Current appeals
Church View Apartments Open

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

Published: 15th December, 2020

Updated: 16th December, 2020

Author: John Elliston

Related topics:
  • News

Latest tweet

  • 2021 Silver Jubilee Year for the 700 Club. We are looking forward to a big celebration when the nightmare of corona… https://t.co/mBMtsjZuEi

    1stJanuary, 2021 @700ClubHomeless
  • In these difficult days it is hard to hold on to dreams. Our dream is to end homelessness. Help us to keep this dre… https://t.co/nIY5pu33Gg

    25thDecember, 2020 @700ClubHomeless
  • Church View Apartments https://t.co/G81aATn0NQ Now open to receive referrals

    23rdDecember, 2020 @700ClubHomeless

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Contact us

700 Club Head Office
Roadway House,
Beaumont Street West,
Darlington DL1 5SX

Phone: 01325 366397

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The 700 Club is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 3191544 and registered as a Charity number 1056192. It is a Registered Social Landlord 4811

COVID-19 is very challenging to our charity. Check how we are dealing with it here