World Record Swimmer supports The Carpenter’s Arms outdoor swim and Q&A

The role of mental resilience in physical performance was the topic for discussion when World Record Swimmer Cllr Dr. Julie Bradshaw MBE joined The Carpenter’s Arms’s outdoor swim and Q&A session. The event, which took place on Friday, 27th June 2025 at Swim Six Hills, Melton Mowbray, was attended by a number of supporters, former and current dignitaries, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood and Deputy Lieutenant for Leicestershire Penny Coates.

Julie is an accomplished World Record swimmer and still holds the Butterfly World Record for swimming solo across the English Channel. She is also a psychotherapist, teacher, sports & Mindset coach and counsellor, and shared valuable insights at the Q&A on staying motivated each and every day.

CEO of The Carpenter’s Arms Richard said: “There are clear parallels between addiction recovery and physical performance — both demand grit, resilience, and a willingness to face discomfort. But it’s not just about raw determination or constant self-belief; at times, it’s about navigating emotional overload, reconnecting with purpose, and finding motivation both internally and externally. Julie’s insights into how she approached her record-breaking swims — and how she now coaches others, whatever their starting point — were a powerful reminder that progress isn’t linear, but is possible.

“We were delighted too that the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, together with the Mayoress, was able to join us and hopefully it will be the first of many events since the Mayor has selected The Carpenter’s Arms as one of his chosen charities for his year in office.”

Julie added: “Whatever goal you’re trying to reach in life, consistency is the key. I was very happy to share what’s worked for me with the team at The Carpenter’s Arms and everyone else who took the time to come along on Friday. I’m thrilled that input might have an impact on those facing the challenges of addiction, and those who are supporting them through that.”

A video of the event is available here.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the projects currently taking place at The Carpenter’s Arms can do so at: https://carpenters-arms.org/fundraising/.

L-R: Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE and Richard Spence, CEO of The Carpenter’s Arms

L-R: Mayoress of Charnwood Jenny Northage Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE and CEO of The Carpenter’s Arms Richard Spence

L-R: Penny Coates (Deputy Lieutenant for Leicestershire), John Chatfield Roberts (Former High Sheriff of Leicestershire), Cllr Geoff Lawrence (Charnwood Borough Council), Julie Ellerbeck (Former Mayoress of Charnwood), Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE (Former Mayor of Charnwood), Richard Spence (CEO of The Carpenter’s Arms), Cllr David Northage (Mayor of Charnwood), Jenny Northage (Mayoress of Charnwood), Henrietta Chubb (Former High Sheriff of Leicestershire), Susan Drummond (supporter), Scott Wheatley (Operations Director, The Carpenter’s Arms), Dawn Bayton (supporter), Eleanor and Richard Grudgings (Warning Zone).

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When I left the Military, I had problems in my marriage and was a victim of domestic abuse. I totally lost it and turned to alcohol. The Carpenter’s Arms were willing to take me on and knowing they were signed up to The Armed Forces Covenant was a big thing for me. I have grown with the programme, and I have now got self-worth. I wake up every morning thankful. I’m blessed.

Brian, resident

As a magistrate, I see the devastation of addiction to a person’s life, as well as their family and friends, when they end up in the Court system. The Carpenter’s Arms offers an opportunity, strategies and support to face and overcome addiction, and turn people’s lives around. It offers people hope at their lowest ebb to gain self-confidence and self-worth which are invaluable gifts.

Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP, High Sheriff of Leicestershire

I got out of prison on the 14th of December 2017 and went straight to The Carpenter's Arms and felt the labels go. My first clean test in 24 years felt amazing. I had never seen my little girls through clean eyes. It was overwhelming! All the victories that were coming for me just for being in this place.

Garry, resident

I’ve known The Carpenter's Arms now for several years and it's great to see the way in which they have grown. What they've done in terms of supporting the defence community has been extraordinary. They show such great enthusiasm and such an ability to reach into people's lives.

Bruce Spencer, MoD Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands

Before my arrival at the Carpenter's Arms, I was lost in a very dark place, haunted by past memories, suppressed by the use of drink and drugs. A local Christian charity recommended The Carpenter's Arms and I was thrown another lifeline and my hope was restored. My spirit, body and soul have been renewed, and I have re-established family connections and built bridges I once burnt.

Bradley, resident

The Carpenter’s Arms is one of our alliance charities working in the area of addiction. We draw on their understanding of what's going on, and their work and solutions for people living with addiction. It helps support our policy and working forward to sustainable living and aspirations in life after addiction.

Steve Meadwell, Regional Manager (Midlands), Centre for Social Justice

I have been suffering from mental health for over 10 years and was addicted to crack, cocaine, cannabis, and steroids. My life was unmanageable. My life has changed completely and I’ve been able to see my son again. I was lost and broken and now I am blessed. I am now a House Dad in phase 3 and I’ve been put on the Pathways as a Support Worker.

Blake, resident

I'm the trustee of the Carpenter's Arms and, this year, I’m also the Mayor of Charnwood. I first met Brian and Judith when I was a Magistrate Chairman of the Drug Rehabilitation Committee. The most rewarding experience was when I finished sitting on the bench and watched the amazing successes at The Carpenter’s Arms in capacity as a trustee. To sit and listen to the clients tell their stories, what they have done and how they have come out the other side with new beginnings, I think for me is the most rewarding. The court couldn’t do it, but The Carpenter's Arms did.

Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, Mayor of Charnwood and trustee of The Carpenter’s Arms

After years of hard drug addiction and causing a lot of pain and suffering for myself and my loved ones, I walked through the doors of the Carpenter's Arms. In the space of a few weeks, I started to see and think more clearly and within months my life had changed drastically for the better. I can't thank the Carpenter's Arms enough for giving me a second chance at life.

Marcus, resident

I've been an alcoholic for 3 years. Whilst it has been a challenge at The Carpenter's Arms, I have been clean for 1 month, have more energy and motivation to do things. A routine has helped me a lot, as well as being able to be around people which has helped me speak more easily. I am excited to go back to work and see my family more.

Rob, resident

I was a broken man after 16 years addicted to heroin and crack, with no confidence or self-worth. Through coming to the Carpenter's Arms, I have been able to break free from my addiction, have learnt how to love myself, how to treat others and how to deal with everyday life without drugs. I am now happily married with 6 beautiful kids and have had a job for the last 6 years.