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
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.
Alcohol Costs UK Workplaces £1.4bn a Year Charity Offers Free Alcohol Awareness Sessions to NI Businesses
Alcohol-related absence is estimated to cost UK businesses £1.4 billion each year in lost productivity, with poor wellbeing often going unnoticed in the workplace.
To address this, ASCERT is offering FREE “Rethink Your Drink” Alcohol Awareness Sessions to organisations across Northern Ireland to support ongoing workplace-based wellbeing initiatives.
ASCERT Urges Public: Never Drink and Drive This Road Safety Week
As Road Safety Week gets underway across the UK, ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading alcohol, drug-related and mental health charity, is reminding everyone that the safest choice behind the wheel is to never drink and drive.
ASCERT urges women to ‘Rethink Your Drink’ during Menopause Awareness Month
ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading alcohol, drug and mental health charity, is raising awareness about the impact of alcohol on menopause symptoms, urging women to “rethink their drink” as part of a new information campaign highlighting the often-overlooked connection between midlife hormonal changes and alcohol consumption.
ASCERT Wins Campaigner of the Year Award at 2025 UK SMART Recovery Awards Ceremon
ASCERT is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded Campaigner of the Year at the SMART Recovery UK Awards 2025, held online on 30th September.
ASCERT BLOG
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.
Celebrating Health and Wellbeing Week at ASCERT: 23rd–27th June 2025
Celebrating Health and Wellbeing Week at ASCERT
From 23rd–27th June, ASCERT marked Health and Wellbeing Week – a time dedicated to pausing, connecting, and prioritising what truly matters: our wellbeing. Each day offered themed activities focused on mental, physical, emotional, and financial health, helping staff recharge and reconnect.
Highlights included mindful art with Tina McGleenan, a practical financial wellbeing session with Margaret McCloskey, a showcase of staff wellbeing resources, a comforting ‘Taste of Home’ potluck, and a fun-filled quiz to round off the week.
What’s in Your Glass? Time to Rethink Your Drink?
ASCERT encourages people to take control of their drinking this Alcohol Awareness Week ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading charity dedicated to reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, is urging the public to consider, “What’s in Your Glass? Time to Rethink Your...
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.