Accessibility & Site Map
ASCERT is fully committed to doing all we can to provide information on our activities and services, alcohol and drugs information and more general associated information on wellbeing to as many people as possible.
This website is only one of the many means ASCERT utilises to communicate information to others. We also provide information in print, digital and video formats and ASCERT colleagues can also be reached via telephone, email or in person at any of ASCERT’s office locations. Please visit the Contact Us section (hyperlinked) of this website for details on how to communicate directly with a member of the ASCERT team.
ASCERT is also committed to making this website as accessible and the information it contains as accessible as possible.
Alternative Text for Images
We use images on this website to either provide a visual reference that links to the nature of the text content on the page (i.e. a photograph of a young person on a page relating to young people’s services), or that supplements the text information on the page (i.e. a diagram to provide a graphical representation of some piece of information).
As standard we try to incorporate an ‘alt text tags’ with all images used on the site that will provide a concise and clear description of the nature and content of the image displayed.
Use of Hyperlinks
Hyperlinked text is intended to aid website visitor’s navigation around the ASCERT website, or on occasion to direct them to information outside of the ASCERT website that is relevant to the information being imparted on that page of the website. We strive to ensure that all hyperlinks contained on the ASCERT website use meaningful text to give a clear description of what is being linked to.
Text Size
The text on this website has been styled using a non-fixed value in a style sheet. This means that users can easily change the text size using their browser settings. You can resize the text by using the Text resize tool in the top right of each webpage. It looks like this: A A A
Alternatively, using your keyboard on a PC:
- Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key and press ‘+’ to enlarge.
- Hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key and press ‘-‘ to reduce.
- To reset hold down ‘Ctrl’ and press ‘0’.
On an Apple Macintosh computer, hold the ‘Cmd’ (Apple) key instead of ‘Ctrl’
Use of Plain English & Video Content
To further aid accessibly to and understanding of content provided on the ASCERT website, we strive to only provide content on this website which is clear, concise and jargon-free.
When using an acronym (a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words in a set phrase or series of words and pronounced as a separate word), we will always ensure that we include the full name, phrase or series of words on the first occasion that we use that acronym on a page.
If it is necessary to use a term or phrase that may not be in common usage, we will endeavour to give a definition and/or explanation of it.
We are mindful that some of our website visitors might also have literacy issues, so where we can, we endeavour to provide a range of content in visual/diagrammatic/video form throughout this website to supplement or act as a substitute for text content.
Sitemap
The list below will give you an idea of the main sections on the ASCERT website. You can also use the Search function on this website to try to locate the information you are seeking.
If you still cannot find what you are looking for, then you can email: info@ascert.biz (hyperlinked)
For other ways to contact us, visit the Contact Us section (hyperlinked) of this website.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.










