Triumph over addiction honoured at The Carpenter’s Arms Celebration 2025
A community committed to delivering hope after addiction came together for The Carpenter’s Arms annual celebration on Friday,19th September at Trent Vineyard, Nottingham. Staff, volunteers, graduating residents and their families were joined at the event by the High Sheriff of Leicestershire Mr Stephen Bryan JP, the Mayor of Charnwood Cllr David Northage, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire Rupert Matthews, Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area Commander Inspector Charlotte Dickens, together with a wide range of other supporters and donors.
The High Sheriff of Leicestershire Mr Stephen Bryan JP who presented The Carpenter’s Arms with a High Sheriff Award at the event, said: “I was deeply moved by the personal stories of resilience and recovery shared during the event and I left uplifted by the sense of purpose and possibility that defines the work of The Carpenter’s Arms to transform lives. The atmosphere of hope, encouragement, and fellowship was palpable, and the charity is a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion, commitment, and community come together with faith.”
The Carpenter’s Arms CEO Richard Spence said:
“Over the last twelve months in particular there has been so much to celebrate – from our work on the Malone Meadows field-to-fork initiative, to the new outdoor gym at our Wharncliffe Road Centre in Loughborough, and new employability initiatives which are helping our residents develop valuable experience and skills in the workplace. We were deeply honoured that the High Sheriff of Leicestershire chose to present us with a High Sheriff Award at the event, which acknowledges our contributions to the community and the justice system. Recognition through this award, together with selection as one of the Mayor of Charnwood’s charities of the year and shortlisting by the British Chambers of Commerce as their Digital Revolution Business of the Year, shows that the support we’re gathering is resonating far beyond our local community.”
Highlights of the celebration event can be viewed at the following reel: Messages of support at The Carpenter’s Arms Celebration 2025.
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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.
Scott, resident