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
ASCERT NI | SMART Recovery Stories | Client Stories
SMART Recovery Stories is hosted by people in recovery from addiction. In this episode Bob and Ella talk about their experience of SMART Recovery. SMART Recovery is facilitated by ASCERT in the Atlas Centre, Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Every Thursday 2pm – 4pm. Free. No need to book.
ASCERT South East Connections Team Out & About in Donaghadee
Neil from ASCERT’s South East Connections team was in good company when he attended a Men’s Health Event in Donaghadee this week as Health Minister, Robin Swann, also took a trip to the seaside town.
Implementing Trauma Informed Approaches in NI
ASCERT’s Training Manager Colin Robinson and Training Officer Elena Brewer virtually attended Queens University’s research launch earlier this week. The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland had commissioned Queens to undertake research to provide recommendations for the advancement of Trauma Informed Approaches across Northern Ireland.
It Was My Normal – A Story About Young People Living with Hidden Harm
This video was made by young people who have received support from ASCERT. They came together to share their experiences of living with hidden harm and to offer reassurance and help to others in similar situations. There were two groups—one in Belfast and one in...
Cost of Living Resource
The Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership have produced this Cost of Living document which details supports available in each of the Health and Social Care Trust areas across Northern Ireland.
ASCERT ‘light up’ to mark charity’s 25th Anniversary
Local council buildings across Northern Ireland will light up blue in November to celebrate the 25th anniversary of local alcohol and drugs charity ASCERT.
ASCERT BLOG
ASCERT South East Connections Team Out & About in Donaghadee
Neil from ASCERT’s South East Connections team was in good company when he attended a Men’s Health Event in Donaghadee this week as Health Minister, Robin Swann, also took a trip to the seaside town.
Implementing Trauma Informed Approaches in NI
ASCERT’s Training Manager Colin Robinson and Training Officer Elena Brewer virtually attended Queens University’s research launch earlier this week. The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland had commissioned Queens to undertake research to provide recommendations for the advancement of Trauma Informed Approaches across Northern Ireland.
Rethink Your Drink: 7 Tips for a Merry, Mindful Christmas
Here are 7 tips for a merry, mindful Christmas. The holiday season is known for joy, celebration, and, for many, a bit of indulgence. However, as the festive season approaches, it’s essential to approach the merriment with mindfulness, especially when it comes to our alcohol consumption. “Rethink Your Drink” is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a call to action for a healthier, happier holiday season.
How ASCERT develop our people
ASCERT have been an amazing organisation to work for to date. My journey with the charity started in 2020 and I was initially employed as an Administrator, carrying out front of house reception work. Throughout my role at reception, I was able to get to know...
Case Study: The Murray Family at Christmas
Before ASCERT I was scared for my family’s future. My son battled addiction, I lost my career due to my long term illness meaning our finances were strained and I worried our family wouldn’t have a Christmas. ASCERT offered us hope. They helped us to work through our issues together and provided us with Christmas cheer. I can’t believe the generosity of strangers and what they did for my family by giving us the gift of Christmas”
Mrs Murray, Christmas 2022*
World Hepatitis Day 2023
As part of Health & Wellbeing Week 2023, ASCERT encouraged staff to get moving for Tone-Up Thursday. Staff went for a walk both around their offices and their own homes, and shared pictures with each other!
Events
ASCERT NI WEBINAR RECORDING | Synthetic Opioids: Nitazenes in Focus
On Friday 1st March ASCERT hosted the first in a series of webinars on topical events in the field of alcohol and substances to be held throughout 2024, marking the charity’s 25th anniversary in providing support to communities across Northern Ireland with their prevention, intervention and training services.
Webinar | Synthetic Opioids: Nitazenes in Focus
You are warmly invited to attend the first in a series of online discussions ASCERT are hosting this year. On Friday 1st March starting at 10am we will be hosting a webinar focusing on the increasing unease around the availability and risk of harm from synthetic...
ASCERT Promoting PRIDE and Reducing Alcohol & Drug related PREJUDICE
ASCERT are proud to announce their involvement in Omagh Pride 2023 on Saturday 17th June.
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...