HSBC & Pathways Addressing Substance Abuse
HSBC Bermuda and Pathways Bermuda, [formerly Caron Bermuda], is marking its seventh year of partnership with an effort to address the “critical issue of the disease of addiction on the island.”
HSBC continues to support Pathways Bermuda’s adolescent and family outpatient programmes which since inception, has helped 74 adolescents and 73 associated family members.
A spokesperson said, “Pathways Bermuda is a subsidiary of Caron US treatment Centers, and collaborates with other local community based service organisations to develop youth substance abuse prevention programmes.
“In 2011 Pathways Bermuda discovered a gap and need in the community for adolescent rehabilitative treatments and subsequently developed the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Programme [AIOP] in partnership with the Bermuda Youth Counselling Services [BYCS].
“One of the HSBC supported programmes is the ‘Kids of Promise’ summer day camp available to 11-15 year olds during the months of July and August. The eight week programme offers a holistic programme for self-discovery through psycho-education, art therapy, and experiential activities in a supportive, safe and therapeutic environment.”
Executive Director, Pathways Bermuda – Gita Blakeney Saltus
Executive Director of Pathways Bermuda Gita Blakeney Saltus said, “With a focused approach on the impact of addiction on the youth and their respective families, the support of HSBC Bermuda has proven integral in providing the necessary financial support to deliver quality services and programs that address this critical issue.
“Ultimately we want to empower our young people to make better life choices while providing supporting tools for their families. We are exceedingly grateful for the sustained partnership with HSBC Bermuda which demonstrates their profound commitment to the overall wellness of the people of Bermuda.”
Mark Watkinson, CEO HSBC Bermuda, said, “Providing the right environment that takes into account the progression, health and safety of Bermuda’s younger population is fundamental to the Island’s future success.
“Through programmes such as Pathways ‘Kids of Promise’ Camps, our charitable partner has the opportunity to work closely with younger members of our community who may have been either directly or indirectly impacted by substance abuse.
“This initiative acts as a catalyst for our youth and their families to have some of the more difficult conversations as they relate to substance abuse, while providing a safe and healthy environment in which to do so. Pathways has made great strides at getting to the root cause of some of these issues which many families face today in Bermuda.”
