The head of an anti-substance abuse charity has been awarded cash from a charitable foundation to help develop his leadership and support skills.

Leslie Grant, the executive director of Focus Counselling Services, was awarded $8,525 by the Duperreault Fellowship to study at the prestigious Cornell University in the US.

Mr Grant said he was “truly grateful” for the financial support, which will help him work towards “educational goals and career advancement”.

Mr Grant said: “I applied for the funding because I believe in staying current and consistently upgrading and enhancing my skills with research-based skills, principles and techniques.

“The funding will go towards earning certificates in both Executive Healthcare Leadership and Wellness Counselling from Cornell University, which would assist me in being a better leader, motivator, and influencer.”

Focus programmes are designed to offer a safe, alcohol and drug-free environment for people battling substance abuse.

Mr Grant said: “I believe by applying current research-based principles it would assist me in supporting Focus Counselling Services and the community at large address the ever-present challenges faced by the vulnerable and those with substance use disorder in our community.”

Katherine Watson, the chairwoman of the Duperreault Fellowship, said that it offered one scholarship a year to people working in the area of substance use disorder.

She added: “The successful applicant will become a Duperreault Fellow.

“If there are unallocated funds after this selection, the fellowship committee will accept applicants for financial support.

“This support can be used for continuing education, professional development or agencies organising professional workshops.”

Ms Watson said: “The committee was pleased to support Mr Grant in his seeking additional training … in his words ’to advance his growth as a leader in the healthcare field and to better serve the community for those seeking help in substance use disorder’.

“His courses in healthcare leadership and wellness counselling will help attain these goals.

“The committee commends all Mr Grant is doing at Focus Counselling and his vision for enhancing his leadership skills."