ASCERT, Northern Ireland\u2019s leading charity dedicated to reducing drug and alcohol-related harm, was honoured to welcome Northern Ireland\u2019s Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, to its head office in Lisburn this week.<\/p>\n
The visit marked a significant opportunity to highlight ASCERT\u2019s work in supporting individuals and communities across Northern Ireland who are impacted by substance use and mental health challenges.<\/p>\n
The Minister had the opportunity to learn specifically about the work ASCERT\u2019s Steps to Cope service is doing to support young people living with parental substance or mental health issues.\u00a0 This is sometimes referred to as \u201chidden harm\u201d because these young people\u2019s needs are often not seen and their voices not heard.\u00a0 Research shows that childhood trauma linked to adversities such as parental substance use and parental mental health problems increases the risk of physical and mental health problems for children.\u00a0 The focus in the family is often on the adult with the addiction or mental health problem, and the needs of the children are not met.\u00a0 ASCERT developed the Steps to Cope service, and it has proven successful in strengthening young people\u2019s resilience, protecting them from the impact of substance use and mental health issues in their family.\u00a0 Hidden harm is an area where if we put more focus towards identifying and supporting these young people, they will lead healthier and safer lives, experiencing far more positive outcomes into adulthood.<\/p>\n
Gary McMichael, ASCERT Chief Executive said \u201cI was delighted that the Health Minister chose to visit ASCERT and learn more about our services supporting people with mental health and substance use issues in the community.\u00a0 He had an opportunity to meet key service staff and discuss the work they are doing, with our services supporting almost 17,000 people last year\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe discussed the need for more focus on early intervention approaches.\u00a0 All too often when people come to our services, they have been experiencing problems for a long time and are only seeking help when things have reached crisis point.\u00a0 We must put more effort into reaching people earlier, so they can receive support before problems become embedded and are therefore more difficult to address\u201d<\/p>\n
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Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said \u201cI was delighted to visit ASCERT and see the important work it is undertaking in respect of drugs and alcohol interventions across Northern Ireland.\u00a0 The harm related to substance use is one of the key public health challenges we face, and I recognise and value the central role that community and voluntary organisations play in the daily delivery of prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery services\u201d<\/p>\n