The North East Search And Rescue Association (NESRA) exists to relieve suffering and distress amongst persons affected by accidents, disasters or natural hazards within the North East of England, or any other place if requested.

NESRA also tries to further co-operation and relationships between its member teams and between the teams (Cleveland MRT, Northumberland National Parks MRT, North of Tyne MRT, RAF Leeming MRT, Swaledale MRT and Teesdale and Weardale S&MRT) and police forces (Northumbria, Durham, Cleveland and North Yorkshire) and other interested parties with similar objectives to those of NESRA, in the North East of England.

NESRA also represents the NESRA teams at Mountain Rescue England and Wales

NESRA further aims to maintain and improve the skills of member teams by arranging joint trainiung and exercises.