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
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.
Tender for External Audit and Accountancy Services
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:...
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...
ASCERT BLOG
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 2023*
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!
Health and Wellbeing Week 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!
Men. How are you Looking after Your Mental Health?
Men. How are you Looking after Your Mental Health?
ASCERT join 2023 Boardroom Apprentice Programme
We are delighted to announce our involvement in the 2023 Boardroom Apprentice programme.
Alcohol Related Deaths Increasing
By Gary McMichael, ASCERT CEO Northern Ireland has recorded its highest number of deaths due to alcohol in 20 years of official statistics. In 2020, Northern Ireland also had the second highest rate of deaths per 100,000 in the UK, according to the Office of National...
Events
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...
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,...
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...