Team Leader & Senior Dual Diagnosis Clinician Nexus Dual Diagnosis Consultation Service
Kevan has been employed at Nexus which is based at St Vincent’s Hospital since 2005 having previously worked in clinical mental health services. He has experience in community and inpatient settings across NSW and Victoria, as well as the UK. Kevan is currently a PhD candidate at Monash University.
His research is focused on the dual diagnosis resource the Reasons For Use Package. Kevan is currently Deputy Chair of the Yarra Mental Health Alliance and a member of the international body MINT (Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers). Kevan has been a regular Yarra Drug and Health Forum attender for over 15 years and joined the Executive in 2016.
Kevan strongly believes in the YDHF key approach of service users, community and service providers working together to improve outcomes. One of the central principles of dual diagnosis thinking is that co-occurring mental health, alcohol and other drugs and physical health issues are the expectation not the exception. Therefore holistic approaches as championed by the YDHF are needed rather than siloed thinking.
30 Sep
Harm Reduction in Diverse Communities: Monday 20th October
Join this online event via zoom on Monday 20th October from 12pm. With so many barriers to AOD services for clients from culturally diverse backgrounds, we must build a shared understanding of what harm reduction means for different communities. This…
5 Sep
Sally Finn International Overdose Awareness Day Speech
Founder of Overdose Awareness Day, Sally Finn, joined us on 1st September to mark the date and acknowledge lives lost and reiterate steps needed to prevent future losses. The full text of her speech can be found here.
2 Sep
Vaping as Harm Reduction…Discuss Monday 15 September
Join YDHF for a Community Network Meeting providing information and perspectives on Vaping. Speakers: Fiona Patten, Legalise Cannabis Party and former MP Hannah Downes, Health Promotion Coordinator, cohealth Dr James Petty, Senior Policy Officer, ADF When: Monday 15th September at…
11 Aug
YDHF Annual Report 2024-25
YDHF Annual Report 2024-2025 The past 12 months has seen both change and continuity of community engagement and advocacy by the Forum. Our journey and financial report are found in the Annual Report tabled at this week’s Annual General Meeting.…
8 Aug
International Overdose Awareness Day Event Monday 1st September
IOAD is held on August 31st each year. Please join YDHF and other community members in remembrance of lives lost and to increase awareness about drug overdose on 1st September. Where: Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 253 Hoddle St Collingwood (enter from…
16 Jul
YDHF Annual General Meeting 11 August 2025
40 Years of Harm Reduction You are warmly invited to our Annual General Meeting to hear about the past year’s achievements and future goals. Time: 12pm – 1pm Monday 11 August, 2025. **A light lunch will be provided Where: Fitzroy Town…
22 May
YDHF Forum: Everything you want to know about new synthetic drugs
Novel psychoactive substances (synthetic drugs) are found in many settings, often mixed with other substances. With no quality control, not knowing what they contain poses significant health risks to those using them. This Forum will provide factual information, trends, harm…
1 May
YDHF Community Network Forum: Drug Testing Trial Update – 19 May 12-1:30pm
When: Monday 19th May 12 -1.30pm Where: VAADA Boardroom, Level 6, 222 Hoddle St Abbotsford Speaker: Sarah Hiley, (The Loop Australia). *Light refreshments will be provided.
30 Apr
Yarra Drug and Health Forum May Newsletter 2025
It’s been a busy start to 2025 for the Forum, working with the community and our partners in seeking better ways to manage the interface of drugs and the Yarra community, canvassing diverse views, discussing best practice and applying the…
26 Mar
YDHF Community Network Forum – Federal Election Panel Monday 14 April 12-1:30PM
What do our major parties offer in alcohol and other drugs policy ahead of this upcoming election? Come and hear local candidates speak and ask your questions in a discussion to follow. Speakers: Adam Bandt (Australian Greens Party), Stephanie Hunt…