"From Homelessness to Hope: How One Man’s Fight Against the System Sparked a Movement"
Colin Gibson’s journey is one of unimaginable hardship, relentless determination, and profound triumph. Today, he’s the founder of NE14Addiction—a groundbreaking organisation transforming lives across the UK—but his path to this point is one few could endure.
In the not-so-distant past, Colin was fighting for his life against addiction, receiving critical treatment at Castle Craig Hospital. Yet, during this vulnerable time, the system meant to protect and support him failed catastrophically. Northumberland Council, fully aware that Colin would face homelessness upon discharge, made the shocking decision to sever him from his family, his medical team, and his stability. This not only breached basic human rights but also disregarded the lawful obligation to provide adequate care.
To compound the injustice, the Northumberland Recovery Partnership (NRP) discharged Colin mid-treatment, leaving him without support upon his return from Castle Craig. Vulnerable, homeless, and abandoned, Colin was left to face barriers no one should have to navigate alone. It was a system designed to help, but instead, it let him down at every turn, pushing him further into despair.
But Colin refused to succumb. Fueled by sheer resilience and an unyielding desire to turn his pain into purpose, he rose from the ashes of these failures. What began as a personal fight for survival became a mission to ensure no one else would have to endure the same neglect. NE14Addiction was born—not just as a recovery initiative, but as a beacon of hope for individuals cast aside by a broken system.
The need for NE14Addiction’s work has never been clearer. Government statistics reveal that the North East of England consistently faces significantly higher rates of opiate and crack cocaine use compared to the national average. In 2019 alone, the prevalence peaked at 13.4 per 1,000 population—a stark contrast to the England average of 9.5 per 1,000 population. Yet misleading narratives continue to downplay these figures, leaving the people of the North East uninformed and underserved.
NE14Addiction stands for truth and transformation. “True recovery doesn’t come from degrees or textbooks,” Colin explains. “It comes from people who have been there—who know what it’s like to be homeless, desperate, and fighting to survive.” His approach resonates deeply, addressing the real barriers that councils and traditional recovery services often overlook.
Today, NE14Addiction is transforming lives through tailored recovery programs, community outreach, and unwavering support for those who need it most. Recognised for its impact, the organisation has won awards and been shortlisted for prestigious honors, but Colin’s mission is far from over.
The fight now is to secure the funding needed to open a rehabilitation center that will serve as a lifeline for so many. Colin is calling on individuals, businesses, and communities to rally behind NE14Addiction. Contributions can be made via their [GoFundMe campaign](https://www.gofundme.com/), and volunteers are encouraged to join the movement.
Reflecting on his journey, Colin says: “If it wasn’t for NE14Addiction, I wouldn’t be here today. The failures of the system nearly pushed me to the edge, but now I’m fighting so that no one else has to face what I did. Together, we can create real change. It’s time for councils to invest in true recovery—recovery led by those who’ve lived it.”
As NE14Addiction expands its reach, it carries forward a message of hope, resilience, and the power of community. For Colin, the mission is personal—but the impact is universal.