Every recovered addict on the island who remains sober saves the community $100,000 each year in legal system costs alone, the leader of an anti-substance abuse charity said.

Leslie Grant, executive director of Focus Counselling Services, shared this information with members of the Hamilton Rotary Club on Tuesday, while discussing some of the organisation’s accomplishments.

Founded in 1993, Focus Counselling Services helps people with alcohol and substance abuse issues reach sobriety and find jobs.

Mr Grant told Rotarians: “Over the past three decades, Focus has been a pillar of support, providing addiction services to our community.

“In the last three years alone, we successfully transitioned 20 clients from sober living to independent living, empowering them to reclaim their lives.

“We have also provided residential treatment to ten individuals, with eight of them continuing their recovery today.”

Mr Grant highlighted that, despite these successes, there is still work to be done in the community, especially when it comes to young people.

Within the last year, the charity worked with at least three people younger than 18, who all had addiction problems — one of them was only 11 years old.

Mr Grant, one of the charity’s two addiction counsellors, also discussed some of the organisation’s challenges, particularly with getting proper funding in recent years.

He explained: “The increasing demand for services has put a strain on resources, making it difficult to secure consistent funding.

“Unfortunately, we have experienced a major shortfall in funding over the past year, which jeopardises our ability to continue serving the community.”

Government helps fund one of the charity’s programmes, sober living in Sandys, where people who completed residential treatment can stay for up to two years.

Mr Grant said: “That programme counts for about a quarter of our entire budget, so we run at a deficit on a regular basis and spend all year trying to make ends meet.”

Mr Grant, a member of Sandys Rotary Club, added that with help from Rotary and other organisations, the charity can continue its life-changing work.

He said: “As members of Rotary, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference.

“Whether it’s through fundraising efforts, spreading awareness or connecting them with potential funding sources, every contribution matters.

“We not only invest in the wellbeing of individuals battling addiction but also contribute to a stronger, healthier and more prosperous community for all.”

• To learn more about or donate to the charity, visit focus.bm