News
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 strikes GOLD with Investors in People
Pictured are ASCERT Chief Executive Gary McMichael and HR & Corporate Services Manager Ciara Hughes. ASCERT have been awarded a “We Invest in People, Gold Accreditation” from Investors in People. Investors in People is the international standard for performance...
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...
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...
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.