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
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.”
ASCERT New Training Courses for 2025
ASCERT are delighted to announce 4 new drug and alcohol awareness training courses for 2025 which are FREE to those working in the community, voluntary and statutory sectors.
ASCERT launches Recovery Choir: A Weekly Safe Space for Healing Through Song
ASCERT, NI’s leading alcohol, drugs and mental health charity, are delighted to announce an inspirational new initiative – the ASCERT Recovery Choir. The choir meets at 6.45pm for an hour long practice starting at 7pm, finishing at 8pm, in the Westcourt Centre, Barrack Street, Belfast BT12 4AH.
WEBINAR – Ketamine Culture, Use & Trends
Ketamine Culture, Use & Trends’ Webinar, Facilitated by The Loop. Organised by Western and South-Eastern Connections.
Belfast Lord Mayor Supports ASCERT’s Steps to Cope Youth Participation Group
Belfast Lord Mayor Supports ASCERT’s Steps to Cope Youth Participation Group
ASCERT launches SMART Recovery Group in Omagh
NI’s leading alcohol and drug charity ASCERT announce their partnership with SMART Recovery to deliver free in person weekly meetings in Omagh for adults seeking support with addictive behaviour starting on Wednesday 7th August 2024.
Taking place weekly every Wednesday morning between 11am and 12.30pm in Omagh Library, these meetings do not require advanced booking and are free to anyone aged 18 and over.
ASCERT BLOG
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.
Rethink Your Drink: 7 Tips for a Merry, Mindful Christmas
Here are 7 tips for a merry, mindful Christmas. The holiday season is known for joy, celebration, and, for many, a bit of indulgence. However, as the festive season approaches, it’s essential to approach the merriment with mindfulness, especially when it comes to our alcohol consumption. “Rethink Your Drink” is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a call to action for a healthier, happier holiday season.
How ASCERT develop our people
ASCERT have been an amazing organisation to work for to date. My journey with the charity started in 2020 and I was initially employed as an Administrator, carrying out front of house reception work. Throughout my role at reception, I was able to get to know...
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!
Events
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...