ASCERT - Steps to Change

Steps to Change is a community based early intervention service for adults and adult family members affected by alcohol or drug misuse. It is available to anyone over 18 years old living in the Western Health Trust area of Northern Ireland.

This is a confidential service which provides a programme of support to adults to help them reduce the harm caused by alcohol or drug use. Steps to Change offers structured, programmes of support based on each persons needs to help them set realistic and achievable goals to help reduce their use of alcohol or drugs.

Support can include up to 12 sessions of one to one therapeutic counselling which can help individuals explore what has driven their need to use alcohol or drugs. Relapse prevention and support of up to 5 sessions are available for those worried about drinking or taking drugs again.

Steps to Change can also help family members affected by another person’s alcohol or drug use, even if the person using alcohol or drugs does not want help. They can receive a number of support sessions to help them better cope and best support a loved one who is misusing alcohol or drugs.

How to refer to this service

We accept referrals from the person seeking help themselves, family members or friends, or from a range of professionals. Referrals can be made by using the online form below or you can download a referral form and send that to us. For more information contact us:

  • T: 0800 2545 123
  • E: stepstochange@ascert.biz