Ever Unique Productions Youth Drama Group
The Irish premiere of a play inspired by a teenager who lost his life to drugs, motivated a local youth drama group to organise a series of fundraising events to help raise funds for alcohol and drug charity ASCERT.
Ever Unique Productions, an educational theatre company for young people aged 12-19, teamed up with ASCERT to raise awareness on drug and alcohol related harm. They arranged a variety of fundraising events leading up to their performances including coffee mornings, a table quiz and a gala fundraising night to raise awareness and vital funds in support of the charity.
In the run up to the performances of the play 'I love you Mum, I promise I won’t die' at Antrim Courthouse and Portrush Town Hall, ASCERT delivered drug and alcohol awareness training to the young actors and provided signposting and advice to theatre goers at each showing.
ASCERT’s Chief Executive Gary McMichael Talking with the young people or Ever Unique Productions Youth Drama Group
The group presented their amazing fundraising total of £1,417 to ASCERT Chief Executive Gary McMichael saying that they were delighted to have been able to support a local charity that helps everyone who is affected by alcohol or drug misuse, particularly young people who could be more susceptible to trying substances.
Ever Unique Directors Martina McAfee and Hannah Reilly explained that a vital part of their vision is to provide a safe place for young people to express themselves creatively and learn new skills.
Hannah continued:
“We chose to partner with ASCERT because we are very aware of the need to educate all young people about the harm caused by alcohol and drug misuse. We are delighted to have been able to give back and support ASCERT’s work through our fundraising events and raise awareness of the issues surrounding addiction.”
Ever Unique Productions Youth Drama Group with ASCERT’s Chief Executive Gary McMichael
ASCERT CEO Gary McMichael thanked everyone involved with the fundraising events explaining how grateful everyone at the charity is for the support given.
“Not only did these young people learn about the harm caused by alcohol and drugs, they have highlighted these issues in their local communities through the performances of the play and with all their awareness raising.”
Gary continued: “Even if only one person reconsiders their choices around substances, then that has made a positive difference and is ultimately what ASCERT exists for. We welcome the opportunity to partner with any organisation, school or group to raise awareness on alcohol and drugs and would ask anyone considering supporting a local charity to get in touch with us for a chat about how we could work together to make positive change happen.”
ASCERT can be contacted in person at their offices in Lisburn, Belfast and Omagh or by calling 0800 254 5123 or emailing info@ascert.biz.
Self help information and referral forms are available on the charity’s website www.ascert.biz