Professional News
New NI Substance Use Strategy Launched
The NI Minister for Health has launched a new 10 year strategy to respond to substance use in Northern Ireland. Preventing Harm,Empowering Recovery: A Strategic Framework to Tackle the Harm from Substance Use (2021-31) In response to this ASCERT Chief Executive Gary...
Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks
Have you heard about the highly sugared and caffeinated strong alcoholic drinks which NIADA believe are being targeted at our teenagers and young adults today? With an alcohol content of up to 8% per can and caffeine levels more than a double espresso– it’s a...
ACEs E-Learning Programme Launched
ASCERT are delighted to offer two new e-learning programmes aimed specifically at people working in roles where they encounter Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Level One Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Awareness E-Learn Programme Level Two Developing Trauma...
COVID19: Harm Reduction Advice for Drug Users
The following information has been compiled from advice available from the US Harm Reduction Coalition, Crew2000, Transform Drug Policy Foundation and extern. All drug use has risks. Please bear in mind that now is a particularly risky time to take drugs. This page...
A Conversation with Dr Gabor Mate
We are delighted to be joined by Dr. Gabor Maté for the second of our 2021 ASCERT Online Seminar Series. The online Zoom event took place place on Tuesday 20th April 2021. ASCERT staff Pamela Quiery, Marie Blaney and Julie McNamara spoke to Dr. Maté about addiction,...
Self-Care : Now When We Need It Most
As we all move though these challenging times, looking after ourselves is more important than ever. Whether you are a practitioner, parent or carer, we have been focused on helping and caring for others as we deal with the challenges we face from the pandemic. That...
Webinar: The future of Cannabis as a medicine in Northern Ireland
Is Cannabis the latest flavour of the month or should it become a menu staple to treat chronic health conditions? In this webinar we hear from Professor David Nutt, Edmond J. Safra Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology and Director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit...
Staying at Home an Opportunity or a Threat?
As humans we are hard wired to interact with each other, especially in a times of stress. Separation from our family and friends can result in a person feeling lack of emotional support and companionship. This lack of contact can lead to increased anxiety and hinder...
Resources for young people living with alcohol or substance use in the family
The Steps to Cope Partnership between ASCERT, Barnardo's NI, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and AFINet UK is pleased to announce the availability of two key resources in Northern Ireland to help support young people affected by parental alcohol, drug use...
Got a story to share? — Suggest a news article to ASCERT
What will happen when you submit a suggestion for a contributor blog? ASCERT’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator will work with you to draw together a synopsis of your proposed submission. This will then be shared with ASCERT’s wider management team to ensure that the proposed contribution fits with ASCERT’s ethos, aims and operational remit (please note this process could take between 2-4 weeks).
Only if approved by the wider ASCERT management team will a potential contributor then be asked by the Marketing & Communications Coordinator to go ahead and prepare a full draft piece. Once submitted, the draft blog may be edited/amended by ASCERT and will once again need to be approved by ASCERT’s wider management team prior to any publication (please note this process could take between 2-4 weeks).
The contributor will then be shown the approved version and asked to complete a consent form that gives ASCERT permission to publish their contribution. Normally ASCERT prefers to identity ifs guest bloggers and it will be that guest blogger’s responsibility to ensure their submitted content does not mention another without that person’s express consent, does not defame or liable another, breaches the confidentiality of another or in any other manner is constructed and written in a manner that would breach any applicable laws or regulations. ASCERT’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator can help give you guidance based on these content restrictions.