Hand holding

Those who have overcome problems themselves or who have the time to buddy those who are experiencing problems can be an immense encouragement to clients on their journey to independence. If you feel that you could offer friendship and informal support, you can help an individual move forward in a positive way.

You can download an Application Form here: Volunteer_Application_Form_May_15.doc

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.

Join the Board

Do you believe that you have the skills to become a member of the 700 Club Board? If so, we would be delighted to meet you to talk through what being a Board Member means, and whether we can use the skills you bring.
Fundraising

Whether you want to organize an event to raise funds, or have skills in writing bids or in raising money through appeals and social media, we need your help.
Administration

Behind the frontline of face to face work with clients there are numerous administrative tasks from simple filing to organising, recording, and archiving data. If you have skills in these areas, we want to hear from you.
Project Reception

There are opportunities to be the face of the 700 Club by volunteering to welcome those who come to the door, to receive and give out client's keys, and to answer the telephone.
DIY

There are always jobs to do across our projects. Could you paint a room? Could you repair a piece of furniture, replace a lock or help with the garden? We need your help!

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