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Belfast City Hall to Light Up Purple for International Overdose Awareness Day

Fiona McCann — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:15:22 +0000

On 31st August 2025, Belfast City Hall will be illuminated in purple as part of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global initiative to raise awareness, honour the lives lost to overdose, and support those impacted. ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading drug and alcohol charity, will join a worldwide movement calling for action to end preventable deaths.

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest campaign to end overdose. It aims to raise awareness of the risks, reduce stigma, and acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends. Each year, people across the globe hold events, share stories, and advocate for change under the banner that overdose is preventable – when we act.

ASCERT’s Chief Executive, Gary McMichael, said:

“Behind every statistic is a person, a son, daughter, friend or neighbour. Lighting City Hall purple is about shining a light on the devastating impact of overdose in our community, but also on the fact that this crisis is preventable. We can’t afford to ignore it. We must come together to save lives.”

The Scale of the Problem in Northern Ireland

Recent figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) reveal the continuing scale of drug-related deaths. In 2023, there were 169 drug-related deaths, a 47% increase compared to a decade ago. Men accounted for approximately two-thirds of these deaths, with the highest rates among 25-34-year-olds.

Opioids were the most common substances mentioned in deaths (103 cases), while Pregabalin was the most frequently named specific drug (67 cases). Almost three-quarters (74.6%) of drug-related deaths involved two or more drugs, and Belfast recorded the highest number of deaths (63).

These figures are a stark reminder that drug-related harms continue to impact individuals, families, and communities throughout Northern Ireland

ASCERT’s Commitment
Founded in 1998, ASCERT provides free, confidential support for young people, adults, and families affected by alcohol or drug use. With offices in Belfast, Lisburn, and Omagh, ASCERT delivers prevention, intervention, and training services regionally.

Gary McMichael said that IOAD isn’t just about remembering those we’ve lost, it’s also about taking action to help stop it from happening again.

“We know that criminalising drug use hasn’t worked. We need compassionate, evidence-based responses, better access to healthcare, and community-wide action. International Overdose Awareness Day is a moment for all of us to stand together and say: we can and must prevent these deaths.”

ASCERT is inviting the public to mark International Overdose Awareness Day by visiting Belfast City Hall on the evening of 31st August to see the purple illumination, share the message online using #IOAD2025 and take the opportunity to learn more about overdose prevention.

For more information, visit www.ascert.biz or call 0800 2545 123.

ASCERT shortlisted in prestigous Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025

Fiona McCann — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:29:02 +0000

We are thrilled to announce we have been shortlisted for the prestigious Employer of the Year award at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards

This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment and underscores the dedication of the entire ASCERT team.

The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, now in their 25th year, celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses across Northern Ireland. The 2025 awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 1 at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, marking a significant milestone in the Northern Ireland business calendar.

Being named a finalist in the Employer of the Year category is a testament to our continuing efforts to prioritise employee wellbeing, professional development, and a positive workplace culture. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and this nomination validates our initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are particularly proud to be one of the few third sector organisations to make the shortlist too, demonstrating how our culture and people policies are up there with the best in the country.

We extend our warm congratulations to all the other nominees and look forward to celebrating the collective successes of Northern Ireland’s business community at the upcoming awards ceremony.

For more details on the awards and a full list of shortlisted companies, please visit: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/events/shortlists-for-belfast-telegraph-business-awards-partnered-with-ulster-bank/a1871860177.html

ASCERT’s Recovery Choir Takes Centre Stage for BBC Sing!

Fiona McCann — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:11:22 +0000

ASCERT’s Recovery Choir is delighted to be part of BBC Sing!, an inspiring initiative by BBC Radio Ulster that unites choirs from across Northern Ireland to form the region’s “Biggest Ever Community Choir.”

Founded in September 2024, ASCERT’s Recovery Choir provides a welcoming and uplifting environment for individuals in recovery, those working in recovery, and friends or family members supporting a loved one. Meeting every Thursday evening in Belfast, the choir is led by acclaimed Musical Director Keith Pyper, whose impressive career spans over 20 years of working with choirs and musical societies across Northern Ireland.

BBC Sing! invited choirs from across the region to apply for this special event, forming county-based choirs that have been rehearsing both online and in person since February. The initiative will culminate in a spectacular live performance at the Ulster Hall on 24 March, where choirs from Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Fermanagh, Armagh, and L’Derry will each showcase their contemporary music pieces before joining forces for an unforgettable grand finale.
With around 800 singers coming together for this extraordinary musical celebration, the event promises to be a truly memorable experience.

ASCERT’s Recovery Choir is honoured to be representing County Antrim in this landmark event. Choir leader Ashleigh Connor shared how one of the choir members stumbled upon the application over a weekend, submitted it just before the Monday deadline, and was thrilled to receive confirmation of their acceptance later that week.

“This choir provides a fun, supportive space where people can come together to sing uplifting contemporary music,” said Ashleigh. “For our members—whether ASCERT staff, individuals in recovery, or those working in recovery—being part of such an incredible event at the Ulster Hall is an honour and something we are truly excited about.”

If you would like to join ASCERT’s Recovery Choir, come along on Thursday evenings from 6:45pm to 8:00pm at the Westcourt Centre, Barrack Street, Belfast BT12. For more information, email recoverychoir@ascert.biz.

Lisburn & Castlereagh Mayor’s Visit to ASCERT HQ

Fiona McCann — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 13:05:37 +0000

We were honoured to welcome the Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh, Councillor Kurtis Dickson, to our head office today. The visit marked an important step in promoting mental wellbeing, one of the Mayor’s key themes for the year.

During his visit, the Mayor met with ASCERT’s Chief Executive, Gary McMichael, and received detailed presentations from the charity. These presentations highlighted the extensive work ASCERT does across Northern Ireland, supporting over 13,000 individuals last year alone.

Mr Dickson who represents Downshire East was elected to the council in 2023 and has become the youngest Mayor in the city’s history at the age of just 27. He took up office as Lisburn and Castlereagh’s first citizen at the start of June 2024.

World Hepatitis Day 2024

Rachael Parks — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 07:00:12 +0000

As part of World Hepatitis Day 2023 on 28th July we are raising awareness of Hepatitis.

Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver. It’s usually the result of a viral infection or liver damage caused by drinking alcohol.

There are several different types of hepatitis. Some types will pass without any serious problems, while others can be long-lasting (chronic) and cause scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), loss of liver function and, in some cases, liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is spread in the blood of an infected person. In the UK, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for people in high-risk groups.

It’s a common infection worldwide and is usually spread from infected pregnant women to their babies, or from child-to-child contact. It can also be spread through unprotected sex and injecting drugs.

Hepatitis B is uncommon in the UK. It most commonly affects people who became infected while growing up in part of the world where the infection is more common, such as southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus. It’s usually spread through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. In the UK, it’s most commonly spread through sharing needles used to inject drugs. Poor healthcare practices and unsafe medical injections are the main way it’s spread outside the UK.

Hepatitis C often causes no noticeable symptoms, or only flu-like symptoms, so many people are unaware they’re infected. Some people will fight off the infection and be free of the virus. In other cases, it’ll stay in the body for many years.

The leaflets below give you more information on the risks and if you have a concern that you may be infected you should speak to your GP.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection that is spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. The chance of getting it in the UK is low. There’s a vaccine if you’re at high risk or travelling to a country where it’s more common.

The infection usually only lasts for a few months, but some people can have hepatitis B long-term.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis B. In the UK, the hepatitis B vaccine is given to babies as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine.

Adults only need to get the vaccine if they’re at high risk. You will find more information in the leaflet below.

Download

Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect the liver. If left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage to the liver over many years.

There is no vaccine to protect against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) but with modern treatments, it’s usually possible to cure the infection, and most people with it will have a normal life expectancy.

It’s estimated around 118,000 people in the UK had chronic hepatitis C in 2019.

You can become infected with it if you come into contact with the blood of an infected person. You will find more information in the leaflet below.

Download

Tender for External Audit and Accountancy Services

Fiona McCann — Tue, 28 May 2024 08:57:52 +0000

We are in the process of renewing our provision for the supply of external audit and accountancy services to cover the 3 year period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 with a potential contract extension for a further 48 months.

Services within this contract will include:

The planning, management and execution of the annual external audit
Preparation of annual audited accounts
Liaison and co-ordination with the Finance Co-Ordinator, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Finance & IT and the Finance and Personnel sub committee to ensure a full and robust approach to the requirements of financial reporting standards, Companies Act 2006, the Charity Commission, governance, as well as risk identification and controls
Submission of annual account returns to Companies House
Consistent staff for the audit each year

Full details of the tender are detailed via the link below and submissions should be sent electronically along with your general terms and conditions plus any supporting documentation to:

Kelly Hull kelly@ascert.biz

A signed certificate relating to Bona Fide Tender should be completed and returned at the same time.

Tenders must arrive no later than 3pm on Friday 21st June 2024

ASCERT Tender for Audit and Accountancy Services 24

Webinar | Synthetic Opioids: Nitazenes in Focus

Fiona McCann — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:45:52 +0000

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 opioids, nitazenes in particular, as emerging drugs of concern.

There will be discussion around the challenges these drugs present across the UK and Ireland, and the potential implications for Northern Ireland.

To register and for details on speakers, please click on the link detailed below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6BzoBO3QQYinPs5d5_XJAg#/registration

Cost of Living Resource

Fiona McCann — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:57:09 +0000

The Children & Young People’s Strategic Partnership have produced a Cost of Living resource which details supports available in each of the Health and Social Care Trust areas across Northern Ireland.

The document details practical resources and support for families and children struggling with the current cost of living crisis including information on free school meals and uniform allowances, school lunches, family benefits advice, the Healthy Start Scheme, low cost play ideas, energy efficiency tips, warm places, foodbanks and much, much more:

https://cypsp.hscni.net/download/390/lpg/39049/cost-of-living-crisis-resource.pdf

Rethink Your Drink: 7 Tips for a Merry, Mindful Christmas

Fiona McCann — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:09:44 +0000

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.

1. Set Realistic Goals:

Start by setting realistic goals for yourself. If you usually enjoy a drink with your evening meal, consider changing this to every other evening. Small, achievable steps make the process more manageable and sustainable.

2. Alternate with Mocktails:

Keep the holiday spirit alive without the spirits. There has never been more choice for non-alcoholic beers, cider, wine and spirits so start trying a few to find your festive favourite. Explore the world of mocktails – alcohol-free cocktails that are just as festive and flavourful. Experiment with exciting ingredients like fresh fruit, herbs, and sparkling water to create a refreshing alternative. Get our favourite Minty Berry Mocktail Here.

3. Stay Hydrated:

Water is your best friend when striving for a mindful holiday. For every alcoholic beverage, follow it up with a glass of water. Not only does this help keep you hydrated, but it also slows down the pace of drinking, giving your body time to process the alcohol. Not to mention saving money by swapping a pint for a glass of tap water.

4. Plan Alcohol-Free Activities:

Break the tradition of centring all holiday activities around alcohol. Plan outings and events that don’t revolve around drinking. Whether it’s a winter hike, a game night, or a festive movie marathon, broaden your holiday traditions to include more alcohol-free experiences. Keep an eye on ASCERT’s socials for our Christmas movies recommendations this December.

5. Communicate Your Intentions:

Let your friends and family know about your decision to cut back on alcohol. Having a support system is crucial, and sharing your intentions helps create an environment that aligns with your goals. You may even find that others appreciate the idea of a more mindful celebration.

6. Be Mindful of Triggers:

Identify situations or emotions that trigger the desire to drink excessively. Whether it’s stress, social anxiety, or the pressure to conform to social norms, understanding your triggers empowers you to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

7. Seek Professional Support: If you find it challenging to manage your alcohol intake on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. For those who would like self-guided when reassessing their relationship with alcohol, why not check out our free resources and tools.

This holiday season, let’s embark on a journey of self-reflection and responsible celebration. By rethinking our drink choices, we can create lasting memories without compromising our well-being. For additional resources and support, visit ASCERT’s Rethink Your Drink. Cheers to a mindful and Merry Christmas!

Nitazenes – Super Strength Street Drugs Linked to Multiple NI Deaths

Fiona McCann — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:56:03 +0000

ASCERT CEO Gary McMichael spoke to BBC News Northern Ireland following the coroner’s findings that super strength street drugs Nitazenes have now been implicated in the deaths of six people under the age of 30 in Northern Ireland.

The Public Health Agency warned in July that these new synthetic opioids may be in Belfast.

Gary told the BBC “People are taking them not realising just how significantly stronger they are than other drugs and, in many cases, they don’t actually know what they’re taking or what it’s going to do to them because they’re wrapped into pills or into heroin or other powders.”

Urging all agencies need to move quickly to prevent further tragedies, Gary continued “We know what’s coming down the line at us so this is the time to get a strategy in place,” .

“People who are vulnerable are becoming even more vulnerable because of funding cuts, because of the restrictions in budgets so the supports, the safety nets, are under stress.

“We’re seeing a pressure on resources and on top of that we also have a culture in NI of people using drugs in combination with others which increases the risk.”

Read the full article here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-67043030