SJOG, a national charity with services around the country and its head office in Darlington officially opened its new office on Friday 25 April 2025. 
As the charity is growing to meet more need, bigger space is needed for its head office and as part of its mission to ‘to be of more help’ is offering space to small local charities and social enterprises to provide meeting and training spaces, access to wi-fi, screen and kitchen facilities.
The new office is based at The Old Exchange building in central Darlington.
The office was officially opened by Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington, who said, “It was a real pleasure to officially open the SJOG office and learn more about the incredible work they’re doing to support communities here in Darlington and across the country. As a Living Wage employer, the way they care for their staff is essential to delivering excellent care.
It’s fantastic to see them not only advancing their own mission but also opening this new space to support other third-sector organisations doing vital work. I encourage voluntary sector organisations in Darlington to get in touch with them as the offices are state of the art.
It was also an especially lovely coincidence to cut the ribbon on the new headquarters of an organisation that is close to my family.”
Paul Bott, Chief Executive said, “SJOG is a well-kept secret. We are the largest charity based in Darlington and have been supporting people in the borough since 1946.
I love our new space. I love that it’s a space that has been purposefully created as a hub for all charities and not-for-profit organisations, so that we can all be of help to people in Darlington.”