“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein |
![]() ILLY Webinar Invitation (Free-to-attend): Title : “Understanding and Addressing Co-occurring conditions – mental health dual diagnosis and a substance misuse disorder” Date: Tuesday 17th June at 11am – 12pm. (Free-to-attend via MS Teams) If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please get in touch with our Client Services Team and we’ll be happy to help:
Over the past year, our communities have faced growing challenges, from the rise of potent synthetic drugs to deepening health inequalities.
Effective support requires a truly integrated and holistic approach – one that addresses not just mental health and substance use, but also related challenges such as homelessness, neurodiversity and Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD). There is an urgent need to raise awareness, strengthen collaboration and equip services with the knowledge, tools and confidence to respond effectively. We are pleased to invite you to this free-to-attend Webinar on: “Understanding and Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions”
Who should attend? Guest Speakers
University of South Wales Professor Bev John and Professor Roderique-Davies have led and contributed to a substantial body of research on alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD), focusing on its prevalence, screening, diagnosis, treatment and the development of clinical pathways. Professor Bev John has worked extensively in the field of psychological health across research, teaching and direct service delivery. Her work centres on the development and evaluation of health-related interventions, including the delivery of psychological therapies. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and professional media. Her main research focus is on applied psychological health – particularly the promotion of positive behaviour change in mental and physical health, as well as substance misuse. Prof. Bev serves as an expert member of the Welsh Government’s Substance Misuse Treatment Framework for Alcohol-Related Brain Damage (ARBD) Project Board and has made significant contributions to public policy and debate around alcohol and gambling harms. Professor Gareth Roderique-Davies Professor Gareth Roderique-Davies is a HCPC-registered Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He is Professor of Psychology at the University of South Wales, with expertise in substance misuse, behavioural addiction, craving and the long-term impact of recreational drug use. Integrated Practice Lead in Dual Diagnosis at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). With experience in the fields of mental health and substance use, Unity, in her current role leads work as part of a collaborative effort focused on improving how services work together to better support individuals facing complex co-occurring conditions in Southend-On-Sea, Essex. Southend is a community deeply affected by the intersecting challenges of homelessness and dual diagnosis. The area faces significant demand for coordinated mental health and addiction services, particularly among those experiencing housing instability. Unity’s work focuses on enhancing collaboration across sectors to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population. Passionate about systemic change and frontline impact, she is committed to sharing practical insights and evidence-based strategies to empower professionals working in similarly complex environments.
Mr. Ben Metcalfe is an Occupational Therapist and Dual Diagnosis Lead for Manchester, part of the Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), a large provider with over 109 service locations, including custodial and health justice services. Mr. Metcalfe leads the Trust’s work on co-occurring mental health, alcohol, and drug issues (COMHAD). His role involves providing strategic advice, training, consultation and support to staff working with individuals experiencing complex needs. He is passionate about helping services better accommodate people with overlapping support needs, advocating that “people aren’t complex when we work and learn together – complexity often arises from service misalignment.” Mr. Metcalfe is also a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and is a certified Motivational Interviewing Trainer. |