What's New
Welcome to the What’s New section of the ASCERT website.
Here you will find all of the latest news and updates from our organisation, along with listings of events and activities we are planning, attending or profiling that may be of interest.
You can also check out our Blogs section which contains interesting, informative and engaging personal perspective pieces from a range of contributors who are either directly connected to ASCERT, or whom are like us, keen to impart knowledge and experiences that may support others to address alcohol and/or drug related harm and support positive change.
You may also like to visit the Training section of this website for a full listing of available training courses and programmes.
ASCERT NEWS
Well done ASCERT Training Team
ASCERT has been a registered centre for the delivery of accredited training by the Open College Network (OCN) Northern Ireland for many years. The most popular training course for our learners is the Level 3 Tackling Substance Misuse; a course provided free of charge to frontline staff and volunteers as part of our Workforce Development Programme funded by the Public Health Agency.
How to keep change going
We have added a new video to our suite of self-care resources. Making changes in your life can take a lot of effort. Whether it is improving your mental or physical wellbeing, reducing your alcohol intake, exercise, diet, it can be hard to do, and although you may be...
ASCERT Drug & Alcohol Awareness Training for HR and Line Managers
ASCERT’s Training Manager Colin Robinson explains “This is a new and exciting development within our Training Service provision. We have been delivering training predominantly for practitioners within the statutory & voluntary sectors for many years, helping those who work with people affected by substance use to better support their clients and service users. However, our more recent work with trade unions brought us to the realisation that there was a gap in knowledge about drugs and alcohol and how to support employees who are experiencing challenges at work as a result of their substance misuse.”
ASCERT attains Cyber Essentials Plus Accreditation
Cyber Essentials is a government backed scheme providing organisations with the knowledge and verification to implement best practice to protect their data, networks and digital assets from cyber attack.
There are two levels of accreditation – Cyber Essentials and the more advanced, Cyber Essentials Plus. The Plus accreditation provides additional assurance that certified organisations have independently verified cyber security measures adhering to the latest best practice guidelines.
ASCERT Staff Day Celebrating IIP Gold
ASCERT STAFF DAY 2022 It was amazing to meet as a full staff team for the first time in 2 years! The noise of chatting and laughter was great to hear as we took time to bond as a team. We are very thankful to Geoff's energy as he guided us through a creative morning...
Impact Report shows how ASCERT is delivering change
We have published our latest Impact Report for the 2020/21 year to demonstrate the work of the charity and the outcomes we have delivered in that period. This report provides an overview of the services we provide across Northern Ireland and the difference we have...
ASCERT BLOG
Alcohol Related Deaths Increasing
By Gary McMichael, ASCERT CEO Northern Ireland has recorded its highest number of deaths due to alcohol in 20 years of official statistics. In 2020, Northern Ireland also had the second highest rate of deaths per 100,000 in the UK, according to the Office of National...
The Reality of Balance
Jennie Boyle shares her thoughts on achieving a work life balance This week 10th- 15th October marks Work Life Balance week. It has me thinking a lot about where I work now and comparing it to environments past. The pandemic (yes we are still talking about it)...
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...
Has the pandemic changed how we work?
It is obvious we have all changed how we work within the last year and for ASCERTs recent staff meeting each service was asked to give a short update on how they have adapted and changed their work within that period, highlighting their achievements and...
Alcohol and Cold Weather
Why you have to be extra careful if you’re out drinking alcohol in freezing temperatures. The cold weather is definitely setting in again, but that doesn’t mean social lives have ground to a halt. However, if your destination is the pub or a club and you’re drinking...
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...
Events
Supporting Trauma-Informed Assessments Training
Supporting Trauma-Informed Assessments: The MACE Toolkit and Handbook Duration: 3.5 hours Information based session aimed at those working with children and families affected by trauma in the border county areas of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland...
Young People and Substance Use Online Seminar
ASCERT 2021 seminar seriesStatistics show that the prevalence of drug use for young people is generally declining but for those young people that have substance use problems, they have increasingly significant and complex needs. This free online event considered the...
Online Parent Support Group
Our Parent/Carer Support Programme is open again for registration. It will commence on 28th October at 7-8:30pm. It will take place every Tuesday for 6 weeks via Zoom. The programme is aimed at parents /carers of young people aged 11 – 15yrs and is FREE to join. This...
Addiction and Gambling Online Seminar
Online Seminar 28th September 2021 Addiction and Gambling is the third event in ASCERT’s 2021 seminar series. This free online event considered the impacts of gambling addiction, increasing prevalence in gambling problems in the UK and Ireland and the...
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,...
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...