A $25,000 grant will help a charity offer horticultural skills and practical training to people in recovery from substance use challenges.

A statement said the contribution from the Fidelis Foundation will support Root and Rise: A Healing Earth Project, offered at Focus Counselling Services in St George’s.

Root and Rise, which started in 2023, uses gardening and work opportunities to help individuals in recovery develop a new-found sense of self.

Focus Counselling plans to extend the programme to the general public from next month.

The statement said: “At the Fidelis Foundation, we believe that strong communities are built when people are given meaningful opportunities to participate, contribute and thrive.

“Root and Rise is an exciting example of an organisation looking beyond traditional approaches and creating practical pathways that connect recovery with purpose, skills, employment and community.

“We are pleased to support Focus Counselling Services and to invest $25,000 in the continued development of this important initiative.”

It added: “This partnership also recognises that recovery is about more than addressing substance use — sustainable recovery can be strengthened by safe and supportive environments, positive relationships, meaningful activity, opportunities to develop skills, connection to community and a renewed sense of purpose.

“Root and Rise seeks to bring these elements together in a practical, person-centred environment.”

Leslie Grant, executive director of Focus Counselling, said: “Root and Rise is ultimately about hope.

“It is about recognising that people are more than the challenges they have experienced and creating an environment where they can discover their strengths, contribute to their community and continue building meaningful lives in recovery.

“Partnerships like this allow us to move that vision forward and we are proud to welcome the Fidelis Foundation as a partner in this work.”