Help Us Create More New Normals for Young People Living with Hidden Harm
This Christmas, we invite your school or organisation to join ASCERT in making a real difference in the lives of young people across Northern Ireland who are living with hidden harm in their family homes.
Sadly, for many of these young people, this is their normal.
In Northern Ireland it is estimated that there are nearly 40,000 children living with parental substance use or mental health issues. The term we use for this is hidden harm.
This equates to 1 in 4 children which means that there WILL be young people within your community who are facing these challenges daily.
Children growing up with hidden harm often don’t realise that their situation is not “normal” — it’s simply all they’ve ever known. Over time, however, many begin to understand that what they experience at home is very different from their peers. This realisation can bring feelings of shame, confusion, and isolation.
That’s where ASCERT’s Steps to Cope service makes a difference. We provide confidential counselling, support, and resilience-building to help young people understand that their situation is not their fault, that someone cares, and that help is available.
With your support this Christmas, we can reach even more young people in need. By hosting a festive fundraiser, your school or organisation can help us create more new normals — filled with hope, confidence, and brighter futures.
The statements used in this video were provided by young people who have been supported by our Steps to Cope service when we asked them to share their experiences of hidden harm. This allows their voices to be heard
Every pound raised will go directly towards helping local young people living with hidden harm — giving them the chance to experience a new normal where they feel safe, supported, and valued.
Please register your school or organisation’s Christmas event in support of this campaign using the form below:
- On behalf of everyone in ASCERT thank you for your kindness and we wish you a very Merry Christmas.