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
Supporting Pupils Starting Secondary School: ASCERT Highlights Counselling Support for Year 8 Students
ASCERT supports Year 8 pupils in Northern Ireland with the HOPE Counselling Service, helping young people manage stress and wellbeing at secondary school.
Belfast City Hall to Light Up Purple for International Overdose Awareness Day
On 31st August 2025, Belfast City Hall will be lit purple for International Overdose Awareness Day, uniting with a global movement to honour lives lost, raise awareness, and call for action to prevent future tragedies. ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading drug and alcohol charity, is urging communities to stand together in compassion, remembrance, and hope.
Pride, Progress, and SMART Recovery: ASCERT Offers Inclusive Support at Omagh Event
ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading charity dedicated to reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, were once again at Omagh Pride on Saturday 14th June 2025, showing its ongoing commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the West Tyrone area.
Health Minister Commends ASCERT’s Mission to Tackle Addiction, Support Mental Health and Inspire Change
ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading charity dedicated to reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, was honoured to welcome Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, to its head office in Lisburn this week.
ASCERT shortlisted in prestigous Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2025
We are thrilled to announce we have been shortlisted for the prestigious Employer of the Year award at the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards
ASCERT Triumphs at the CIPD Northern Ireland Awards 2025
ASCERT has achieved a remarkable victory at the CIPD Northern Ireland Awards 2025. Against fierce competition, we emerged victorious, securing the prestigious Best Flexible Working Initiative award.
ASCERT BLOG
ASCERT Warns Against Drug and Alcohol Use as Exam Stress Peaks
As exam season intensifies across the region, ASCERT, Northern Ireland’s leading charity dedicated to reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, is urging young people and families to be mindful of the risks of using alcohol or drugs to manage stress. The appeal comes as data shows a decline in youth mental health, with academic pressure emerging as a major contributing factor.
ASCERT’s Recovery Choir Takes Centre Stage for BBC Sing!
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.”
Rethink Your Drink: Raising Awareness for a Healthier Workplace
Our Rethink Your Drink awareness sessions are designed to inform and educate people about alcohol, the recommended guidelines for drinking, and the short- and long-term effects it can have on health. More importantly, they highlight how small changes can make a big difference.
Alcohol Support Groups Northern Ireland: Discover the Benefits of SMART Recovery with ASCERT
ASCERT hosts FREE weekly SMART Recovery meetings in both Lisburn and Omagh, making it easier than ever to find Alcohol Support Groups Northern Ireland that suit your needs.
Northern Ireland Drug Support Services | Steps to Change | Mark’s Story
Northern Ireland Drug Support Services | Steps to Change is in the Western Trust and open to individuals aged 18+
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.
Events
ASCERT NI WEBINAR RECORDING | Synthetic Opioids: Nitazenes in Focus
On Friday 1st March ASCERT hosted the first in a series of webinars on topical events in the field of alcohol and substances to be held throughout 2024, marking the charity’s 25th anniversary in providing support to communities across Northern Ireland with their prevention, intervention and training services.
Webinar | Synthetic Opioids: Nitazenes in Focus
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...
ASCERT Promoting PRIDE and Reducing Alcohol & Drug related PREJUDICE
ASCERT are proud to announce their involvement in Omagh Pride 2023 on Saturday 17th June.
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...