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
2025/2026 OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS
As part of Menopause Awareness Month, ASCERT is encouraging women to consider the often over looked relationship between alcohol and menopause symptoms.
Alcohol and Drug charity gives advice to students for a safer Freshers’ Week
Starting University? Going to Freshers’ Week? Here are ASCERT’s top tips to keep safe on a night out.
ASCERT urges party goers to EMERGE safe this weekend
As EMERGE Music Festival gets underway in Belfast, ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading drug and alcohol charity, is urging festival goers to look out for themselves and their friends and to recognise the signs when someone needs help.
ASCERT backs Public Health Agency’s Alcohol Awareness Campaign
As NI Alcohol Awareness Week gets underway across the region, Northern Ireland’s leading alcohol, drug-related and mental health charity, is asking everyone to take a closer look at their drinking habits. The call comes as latest figures from the Northern Ireland...
Charity Warns Young People About the Risks of Vaping to Cope with Exam Pressures
ASCERT is encouraging young people and families across Northern Ireland to be aware of the growing risks associated with vaping during exam season, as pressure linked to school performance continues to impact young people’s mental wellbeing.
European Champion Sports Stacking Champion from East Belfast Leads Challenge to Inspire Young People Across Northern Ireland
European Champion Sports Stacking Champion from East Belfast Leads The ASCERT Sport Stacking Challenge to Inspire Young People Across Northern Ireland.
ASCERT BLOG
2025/2026 OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS
As part of Menopause Awareness Month, ASCERT is encouraging women to consider the often over looked relationship between alcohol and menopause symptoms.
Is alcohol making menopause harder? ASCERT urges women to ‘Rethink Your Drink’
As part of Menopause Awareness Month, ASCERT is encouraging women to consider the often over looked relationship between alcohol and menopause symptoms.
Charity Warns Young People About the Risks of Vaping to Cope with Exam Pressures
ASCERT is encouraging young people and families across Northern Ireland to be aware of the growing risks associated with vaping during exam season, as pressure linked to school performance continues to impact young people’s mental wellbeing.
Self-harm Intervention Programme (SHIP) Service Client Feedback
Self-harm Intervention Programme (SHIP) Service Client Feedback.
Drug and alcohol charity backs PSNI winter anti-drink & drug-drive operation
ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading alcohol, drug and mental-health charity, welcomed the launch of the Police Service Northern Ireland’s (PSNI’s) winter campaign to crack down on drink and drug driving.
Figures released by the PSNI stated that 298 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving in December 2024 in Northern Ireland.
Local Charity Encourages Safe Celebrations and Warns About Spiking Ahead of July Bank Holiday
With parades and community events planned across the country, ASCERT is reminding the public to keep an eye on how much alcohol they are drinking, whether at home or out and about. Overuse of alcohol not only affects individual health but can also increase the risk of accidents and harm caused to others.
Events
Local charity highlights spiking risks and offers LGBTQ+ support at Belfast Pride
Heading to Belfast Pride? ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading alcohol and drug charity, will be there offering support, raising awareness about drink spiking, and sharing advice to help keep the LGBTQ+ community safe and informed. Visit us on the day or reach out anytime for free, confidential help at ascert.biz.
FREE Training: Substance Use and Domestic Abuse & Managing Potentially Violent Situations
FREE Training in March: Substance Use and Domestic Abuse & Managing Potentially Violent Situations. Funded by the PCSP and delivered by ASCERT
Join ASCERT’s Cup Stacking Challenge This Children’s Mental Health Week – With European Champion Laura Beacom!
Join ASCERT’s Cup Stacking Challenge This Children’s Mental Health Week – With European Champion Laura Beacom! Receive tutorials, resources, mindfulness journals and a chance to win an exclusive visit and masterclass with Laura! Email marketing@ascert.biz to sign up
ASCERT NI WEBINAR | STEROIDS – Uncovering the Real Cost
Anabolic steroid use is growing in Northern Ireland. How much do you really know about the risks and potential harms? This webinar will explore health implications and harm reduction approaches to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs. Speakers: Dave Crosland -...
Addressing Substance Use Among the LGBTQ+ Community: ASCERT’s Commitment at Omagh Pride
As Omagh gears up for its annual Pride event, ASCERT, dedicated to reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, are amplifying their call for support within the LGBTQ+ community. With statistics revealing the disproportionate impact of substance use on LGBTQ+ individuals, ASCERT stands with the LGBTQ+ community by offering non-judgmental support and guidance.
ASCERT NI WEBINAR | STEROIDS – Uncovering the Real Cost
Join us on Thursday 27th of June between 10am and 12:00noon to learn more about STEROIDS – Uncovering the Real Cost.