Accessibility & Site Map
ASCERT is fully committed to doing all we can to provide information on our activities and services, alcohol and drugs information and more general associated information on wellbeing to as many people as possible.
This website is only one of the many means ASCERT utilises to communicate information to others. We also provide information in print, digital and video formats and ASCERT colleagues can also be reached via telephone, email or in person at any of ASCERT’s office locations. Please visit the Contact Us section (hyperlinked) of this website for details on how to communicate directly with a member of the ASCERT team.
ASCERT is also committed to making this website as accessible and the information it contains as accessible as possible.
Alternative Text for Images
We use images on this website to either provide a visual reference that links to the nature of the text content on the page (i.e. a photograph of a young person on a page relating to young people’s services), or that supplements the text information on the page (i.e. a diagram to provide a graphical representation of some piece of information).
As standard we try to incorporate an ‘alt text tags’ with all images used on the site that will provide a concise and clear description of the nature and content of the image displayed.
Use of Hyperlinks
Hyperlinked text is intended to aid website visitor’s navigation around the ASCERT website, or on occasion to direct them to information outside of the ASCERT website that is relevant to the information being imparted on that page of the website. We strive to ensure that all hyperlinks contained on the ASCERT website use meaningful text to give a clear description of what is being linked to.
Text Size
The text on this website has been styled using a non-fixed value in a style sheet. This means that users can easily change the text size using their browser settings. You can resize the text by using the Text resize tool in the top right of each webpage. It looks like this: A A A
Alternatively, using your keyboard on a PC:
- Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key and press ‘+’ to enlarge.
- Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key and press ‘-‘ to reduce.
- To reset hold down ‘Ctrl’ and press ‘0’.
On an Apple Macintosh computer, hold the ‘Cmd’ (Apple) key instead of ‘Ctrl’
Use of Plain English & Video Content
To further aid accessibly to and understanding of content provided on the ASCERT website, we strive to only provide content on this website which is clear, concise and jargon-free.
When using an acronym (a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase or series of words and pronounced as a separate word), we will always ensure that we include the full name, phrase or series of words on the first occasion that we use that acronym on a page.
If it is necessary to use a term or phrase that may not be in common usage, we will endeavour to give a definition and/or explanation of it.
We are mindful that some of our website visitors might also have literacy issues, so where we can, we endeavour to provide a range of content in visual/diagrammatic/video form throughout this website to supplement or act as a substitute for text content.
Sitemap
The list below will give you an idea of the main sections on the ASCERT website. You can also use the Search function on this website to try to locate the information you are seeking.
If you still cannot find what you are looking for, then you can email: info@ascert.biz (hyperlinked)
For other ways to contact us, visit the Contact Us section (hyperlinked) of this website.
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...
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...
Being realistic about the Take 5 steps to wellbeing…
Jennie Boyle, Western Connections Worker at ASCERT. Whilst it is great to promote campaigns and initiatives under an umbrella, I sometimes think this can be off-putting for some people- it is almost like we make it sound more difficult or theoretical than it needs to...
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...
Fast Track Service for Offenders with Addictions
The Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) is partnering with ASCERT to provide a ‘Rapid Response Addiction Service’ to people under probation supervision. The purpose of this partnership, which commenced in November 2019, is to ensure there is a rapid response...
New Publication
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