NECA (North East Council on Addictions) is a UK-based registered charity (charity number 516516) dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and communities primarily in the North East of England. Founded in 1974, NECA has a longstanding history of providing support and services focused on recovery from gambling harms, substance misuse, and related issues.

History

NECA originated in 1973 when a steering group explored creating a Tyneside Council on Alcoholism to offer advice, education, and referral services for those affected by alcohol-related problems. The organization was formally established in 1974 as the North East Council on Alcoholism. Over time, its remit expanded beyond alcohol to encompass broader substance misuse; in 1984, it changed its name to the North East Council on Addictions. The Mosley Street premises in Newcastle, its significant base of operations, were officially opened by the Princess of Wales in 1986. Reflecting its broadening scope to wider health determinants, the charity adopted the abbreviated name NECA in 2011. The Duchess of Northumberland became NECA’s patron in 2007.[2][3]

Mission and Services

NECA’s core mission is to support and enable individuals and families to sustain long-term recovery from gambling harms and substance misuse. The charity serves adults, young people, and families through a variety of tailored programs and community initiatives.

Gambling Support Services

In partnership with GambleAware, NECA provides free support services for anyone directly or indirectly affected by gambling-related harms. It offers comprehensive help across the North East of England and also extends gambling support services to the Yorkshire & Humber region.[1][2]

Youth Education and Prevention

NECA delivers free gambling harm prevention and education workshops aimed at young people and those who support them, including professionals, parents, and carers. These initiatives focus on raising awareness and preventing gambling-related harms among youth.[1][2]

Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme

NECA is approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to deliver the Drink Drive Rehabilitation Scheme. This training is offered face-to-face in the North East and online throughout England.[1][2]

Community Services

NECA operates the Greenhope Community Garden, also known as Greenhope Oasis, a merged allotment space designed as a community hub supporting a wide range of activities that promote well-being and social inclusion.[1]

Recognition

NECA’s volunteers were awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021, an honor given to only 241 organizations across the UK that year, recognizing their outstanding contribution to communities.[1]

Values

NECA is committed to promoting prevention, recognition, and treatment related to the use and misuse of substances, including alcohol, drugs, and gambling, with a person-centered approach that respects diverse individual routes to recovery.[1][3]

NECA continues to evolve as a key regional charity, providing vital services to support recovery and improve community health across the North East of England and beyond.

[1] https://neca.co.uk [2] https://neca.co.uk/about/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/516516 [4] https://www.instagram.com/neca_gamblingsupport/ [5] https://www.informationnow.org.uk/organisation/neca-north-east-council-on-addictions/