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.
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...
New NI Substance Use Strategy Launched
The NI Minister for Health has launched a new 10 year strategy to respond to substance use in Northern Ireland. Preventing Harm,Empowering Recovery: A Strategic Framework to Tackle the Harm from Substance Use (2021-31) In response to this ASCERT Chief Executive Gary...
Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks
Have you heard about the highly sugared and caffeinated strong alcoholic drinks which NIADA believe are being targeted at our teenagers and young adults today? With an alcohol content of up to 8% per can and caffeine levels more than a double espresso– it’s a...
ACEs E-Learning Programme Launched
ASCERT are delighted to offer two new e-learning programmes aimed specifically at people working in roles where they encounter Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Level One Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Awareness E-Learn Programme Level Two Developing Trauma...
Has the pandemic changed how we work?
It is obvious we have all changed how we work within the last year and for ASCERTs recent staff meeting each service was asked to give a short update on how they have adapted and changed their work within that period, highlighting their achievements and...
COVID19: Harm Reduction Advice for Drug Users
The following information has been compiled from advice available from the US Harm Reduction Coalition, Crew2000, Transform Drug Policy Foundation and extern. All drug use has risks. Please bear in mind that now is a particularly risky time to take drugs. This page...
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,...
Self-Care : Now When We Need It Most
As we all move though these challenging times, looking after ourselves is more important than ever. Whether you are a practitioner, parent or carer, we have been focused on helping and caring for others as we deal with the challenges we face from the pandemic. That...
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...










