Panel Talk, Keynote(s) co-curated by Nights
Mental Health and Clubbing (Pre- and After Party Care)17:00–18:30
90 min
schikaneder
Tom Evenepoel
he/him
De Druglijn
Brussels, Belgium
Tom Evenepoel started working at the Flemish centre of expertise on alcohol and other drugs back in 1994. Via this way, he soon became a volunteer at the helpline De Druglijn, became of staff member in 1996 and has been the co-ordinator since 2001.
Over all these years he was lucky to work on a broad range of topics. The unique low-threshold position of the helpline within the centre of expertise, allowed him to facilitate the first steps of VAD in nightlife prevention about 25 years ago. Over the years this had led to contributions in publications, at conferences and several analysis of quantative and even more so qualitative data. A practice based perspective has always been his focus.
On an international level and as board member he became a driving force in the European Foundation of Drug Helplines.
The work of the helpline, the secrecy and non-judgmental approach for which it stands along with his position as a spokesperson, has more recently led to involvement in the importance of language as lever in the fight against prejudice and stigma towards people who use drugs or who experience alcohol or other drug problems.