Mid Ulster council light up blue to celebrate ASCERT anniversary

Local council buildings in Mid Ulster lit up blue on Monday, 20th November to celebrate the 25th anniversary of local charity ASCERT.

ASCERT provide vital alcohol and drug support services across the country making a difference in the lives of thousands of young people, individuals and families affected by the harm caused by alcohol and substance use.

Founded in November 1998 by Gary McMichael - who remains the charity’s Chief Executive - ASCERT has evolved into one of Northern Ireland's foremost regional service providers, offering alcohol & drug prevention and intervention services to the public. ASCERT also deliver training services to professionals and practitioners within the voluntary and community sector wanting to develop their knowledge on alcohol, drugs and mental health related topics.

In recognition of ASCERT positively impacting our local communities over the past 25 years, local councils across Northern Ireland will illuminate their buildings in blue, symbolising the charity’s continuing commitment to everyone affected by alcohol or drug use.

The need for alcohol and drug support services is highlighted by statistics from NISRA (2022) showing that drug related and drug misuse deaths in Northern Ireland have more than doubled in the last ten years. Alcohol and drug use is a key determinant in health inequalities in Northern Ireland, with rates for alcohol related deaths being 4 times higher and drug related deaths 5 times higher in the most deprived areas.

Estimates are that the effects of alcohol misuse cost up to £900 million annually in Northern Ireland, with almost £250 million of these costs borne by the Health and Social Care sector (Department of Health, 2010). 

For 25 years ASCERT’s mission has been reducing alcohol and drug related harm while supporting positive change in our communities. ASCERT’s vision continues to be for a society protected from the harm caused by alcohol and drug use. This is addressed by confronting substance misuse directly whilst recognising other social factors such as poverty, mental health, employment and housing all contribute hugely to addiction.

ASCERT believe there is hope in every situation, and with the right help at the right time, every person can achieve change for the better.

Marking a quarter century milestone of dedication and service, Gary McMichael, Chief Executive of ASCERT said “ASCERT has been providing to support to people right across Northern Ireland for the past 25 years and I have seen the devastating impact addiction has on individuals, their families and communities. These are significant and enduring issues right across our society and the need for support services such as ours continues to grow.”

“The current cost of living crisis is adding to the pressures people are already feeling and more people are using alcohol or drugs as a way of coping with the stress, strain and adversities in their lives. ASCERT is here to help, providing much needed services across our community to those affected by alcohol or drug use and supporting them to make changes in their lives for the better”

Gary continued “These light up events serve as a visual tribute to ASCERT's enduring legacy and its contribution to the Northern Ireland community.

"They also represent a symbol of hope to anyone dealing with addiction, reminding them that help and support are available. ASCERT remains committed to its mission of reducing harm and supporting positive change in our communities for the next 25 years and beyond.”

To find out more about ASCERT and the services they offer, visit www.ascert.biz or call 0800 254 5123.