A charity offering rehabilitation services to people in recovery has been given $20,000 by HSBC Bermuda for its horticulture programme.

The award to Focus Counselling Services, in recognition of World Drug Day on June 26, will support its Root and Rise project.

The charity started the programme in 2023, using gardening to help residents build a new-found sense of self.

Focus said the donation came at a “timely moment” as communities around the world used the day to renew their commitment to prevention, treatment, recovery and compassionate responses to substance abuse.

Root and Rise helps individuals in recovery build stability, confidence, life skills, financial literacy, work readiness and renewed purpose through therapeutic gardening, sustainable agriculture, reforestation, social enterprise, sober living support, outpatient treatment and community engagement.

Leslie Grant, the executive director of Focus, said: “World Drug Day is a meaningful reminder that substance use affects individuals, families, workplaces and communities — but it is also a reminder that recovery is real, recovery is possible and recovery strengthens the whole community.

“We are deeply grateful to HSBC Bermuda for seeing the value in Root & Rise and for investing in a programme that helps people rebuild their lives while also giving back to Bermuda.”

He said the project showed what was possible when the private and non-profit sectors teamed up around a shared vision and moved beyond crisis response.

Mr Grant added: “It sends a clear message to people and families affected by addiction: you are not forgotten, help is available, and recovery is possible.”

Greg Garnier, the chief executive at HSBC Bermuda, said: “This programme reflects the kind of community partnership that can create meaningful and lasting change.

“By supporting recovery, skills development, environmental responsibility and social enterprise, Root and Rise contributes to a healthier, stronger and more resilient Bermuda.

“At HSBC Bermuda we look to support those community initiatives which focus on nature and financial literacy. Root and Rise aligns with both of these areas. We aren’t just funding rehabilitation — we are investing in the foundational life skills individuals need to rebuild their lives, grow their independence and root themselves back into the community.”

Focus developed Root and Rise as part of its wider commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care.