A charity is making a “passionate appeal” to the public to help financially support addiction treatment and recovery services after a 60 per cent shortfall in funds.

Focus Counselling Services, which provides support for individuals battling substance abuse disorder and addiction in Bermuda, has a waiting list of five individuals and the charity receives at least four referrals per week from individuals and families in crisis.

Leslie Grant, executive director for Focus, said the challenges the charity was facing, which grew post Covid, were “formidable”.

He said: “Our services are in high demand but we don’t have the resources to provide them. We find we have to refer people to another source, so that person doesn’t get help straight away.

“We receive a small grant from Government. That alone dropped by 34 per cent and we had a roughly 26 per cent reduction from overall donations this year. Folks are restructuring how they give, some are not able to give for different reasons.

“During Covid, we did really well but those funds seemed to dry right up post Covid.

“Substance use disorder is not the buzz word now but it is still there and it is a vast contributor to the other issues we are having.

“It is a controversial topic. There is stigma and ignorance towards people with substance use disorder and addiction, about treatment, whether it works, who should have it.

“We still haven’t even fully acknowledged it is a mental health disorder. Substance disorder is a mental health condition listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.”

The charity added in a statement: “The answer is clear, substance abuse disorder can be a strong contributing factor to homelessness, crime, unemployment or can even extend existing homelessness or unemployment.

“The consequences of untreated substance abuse disorder are far-reaching, impacting not only the individuals directly affected but the entire community.”

According to Focus, substance use disorder and addiction are chronic health issues that continue to plague the community.

The charity provides support for individuals battling addiction in Bermuda, offering a range of services, including recovery housing, individualised outpatient and residential treatment, impaired driving education and treatment for gambling disorder.

It said: “Our mission is to provide hope, healing and a path to recovery for those who need it most.”

Mr Grant said Focus required about $550,000 yearly to be able to meet the demand.

He said: “We need an administrator, another full-time counsellor and a fund developer. I am director, programme director, clinical manager and fund developer — we could use more staff.”

The charity is calling on businesses and members of the community to make any donations, large or small.

It added: “There is no denying that fear, myths, stigma and misinformation surround substance abuse disorder and addiction treatment and recovery services. However, together we can be a part of the shift in supporting those with substance abuse disorder and other mental health conditions.

“By investing in Focus Counselling Services, you are not only providing hope and healing but also helping to break the cycle of addiction that has held too many individuals and families in its grip.

“Join us in this critical mission and, together, we can build a healthier, more resilient Bermuda.”

• To make a donation or learn more about how to support Focus and its mission, visitwww.focus.bmor call 296-2196